Shock horror: Spookers goes on the market
Auckland’s family-run haunted horror theme park attraction, Spookers, is up for sale.
Julia Tukiri, Spookers’ managing director and partowner, said having more family time was a big part of the decision to put the business on the market.
“It’s been 13 years and, to be quite honest, we are just looking forward to some time not working all the time, because it is a lot of work,” Tukiri said.
“My Dad is the mayor of the Rangitikei district, and Mum would like to support him a bit more. My husband and I have young kids and I’d like to be at home at the weekends spending time with them.”
Julia and husband, Jemall, are part-owners with her parents, Andy and Beth Watson.
A buyer is being sought for the lease of the entire business which includes 30 acres of land, the Spookers building, The Amazing Maze ‘n Maize, CornEvil, and the Run for Your Freak’n Life mud run/obstacle race.
“We’re still seen as a very iconic brand and experience for people in Auckland and New Zealand,” Tukiri said. “If someone does buy Spookers, it will be exciting and someone will be able to come in with new life and passion and ideas.”
The theme park will continue to operate business as usual until a buyer is found.
“Everything will remain the same until [Spookers sells]. During the marketing period, Spookers will continue to operate a worldclass Haunted Attraction, and any bookings made, or tickets sold will be honoured as usual. Christmas functions which are a large part of the year-end bookings will go ahead as planned,” Spookers said on a Facebook post.
Opened in 2005, Spookers is New Zealand’s biggest operator in the horror entertainment field, and, says the company, has scared around 2 million people.
Spookers has 180 staff and operates every Friday and Saturday night out of former psychiatric hospital, Kingseat, in South Auckland. Closed in July 1999, Kingseat Hospital is considered one of the most haunted locations in New Zealand.