Entertainment retainment

Travelling out of town to see the latest blockbusters on quality screens can now be a thing of the past.

3D Cinemas Tokoroa in Logan St recently removed its tired Time Zone facility to install a brand new state-of-the-art digital screen. The cinema now has two digital screens and one which also offers three dimensional movies.

Coromandel based owner Tony Richards, who brought the cinema two years ago, said he was excited to be offering Tokoroa a top quality facility.

’’When I was walking around town two years ago and talking to people they said they go to Rotorua or Hamilton to watch movies or do their shopping but I hope by offering a facility that is just as good people will start spending there money back in the community and won’t feel they have to travel out of town,’’ he said.

‘‘Lots of people say they also don’t have a lot to do in Tokoroa but this will be a great way to get them out of the house.’’ We will be providing top films like they do in Auckland but we will do it better.’’

Richards said Tokoroa should be proud of having such a facility.

’’The community should be very proud to have the only digital and three dimensional theatre outside of New Zealand’s main centres,’’ he said.

‘‘It’s thanks to the continued support of people in Tokoroa and surrounding towns that we were prepared to give back to the town. I think it’s a great community and if you receive support you have to give back,’’ he said.

Although the business went into receivership with a former owner several years ago Richards said business had picked up substantially since he took over which he put down to his dedicated team.

Business and operations manager Shadna Nand agreed.

‘‘This is one of the hardest jobs because people come here to be entertained and if they are let down they soon let you know so my team has been amazing and worked really hard to get us to where we are now,’’ she said.

Richards, said he brought the business because he believes Tokoroa has a bright future.

‘‘ I saw a great opportunity and with the council’s plans to redevelop Leith Pl and new business developments such as Fonterra’s Lichfield plant I think Tokoroa’s future looks very good.’’