Disney movie’s filming consents delayed

Enterprise-owned Cricket Hop Productions NZ Ltd, have submitted several applications for filming activity in the South Island – including the Mackenzie Country.

Land Information New Zealand (Linz) confirmed in a statement it had received two separate applications for filming activity in the Tekapo and Tasman river areas.

Linz land and property group manager John Hook said a recreation permit for proposed filming at Mt Hay, which is pastoral lease land administered by Linz on behalf of the Commissioner of Crown Lands, has been granted in part.

Hook said a further application for filming on Crown-owned land at the Tasman River is still being considered.

‘‘Any filming activity on Crown land is subject to a range of conditions that are put in place to protect the natural environment and other relevant values, such as the need for people to be able to farm the land with minimal disruption.

‘‘In considering any application, the advice of the Department of Conservation (DOC), leaseholders and other relevant experts is sought to make sure the effects of any filming activity are effectively mitigated,’’ Hook said.

‘‘In considering the application for proposed filming at Mt Hay, the commissioner has carefully considered the views of the leaseholder and the advice of DOC experts.’’

As a result, Hook said, the majority of sites proposed by the producers for filming had been approved.

‘‘However, in three locations where there are sensitive ecological values, such as rare or threatened native plants, the commissioner has declined this aspect of the application and proposed alternative nearby sites for filming and other mitigating steps to lessen its impact.

‘‘It is now over to the applicants to consider the revised application,’’ Hook said.

‘‘If accepted, the permit will be issued by the commissioner and filming can take place subject to the agreed conditions.’’

The Waitaki District Council has also received an application from the producers to film in Oma- rama’s Ahuriri Valley.

Council planning manager Hamish Barrell said no decision on either notification or determination had yet been made.

‘‘At this time we are unable to provide any more specific information on this matter as the council is considering its position in respect of a request made under the Resource Management Act 1991 section 42.’’

The producers are also searching for horse riders, and casting calls will be held in June and July – one in Geraldine on July 8.