The following are all the best feature articles and key news posts of the 2010 year. The goal of the SWNZ website, as well as being to bring you regular Star Wars news and stories, is to establish and evolve an archive of all things pertaining to that Galaxy far, far away, that have particular relevance to the various incarnations of Star Wars fandom in New Zealand. This page is a portal to such content...
Matt G
Following on from our last post on Daniel Logan's coverage in the Western Leader newspaper, we've acquired some actual copies of the publication, which can be viewed by clicking on the thumbnail above. As mentioned before, the text of the article is also available online: Stuff.co.nz/.../Launch-pad-to-acting.
Discuss this topic in the SWNZ Message Boards.
Related article: Daniel Logan Biography.
Matt G
Daniel Logan himself, via his Facebook page, actually bought this to the attention of fans - following up on his recent voice work in The Clone Wars (yet to screen on NZ TV), and an interview in the Star Wars Insider magazine, the local press got an opportunity to put a few questions to him. In the Western Leader newspaper - a regional publication from Daniel's hometown - he talks about his aspirations, his involvement in Star Wars and The Clone Wars, and recollections of growing up in New Zealand. "Daniel, one of five children, now calls Los Angeles home but is proud of his west Auckland roots. 'I came here to pursue a career in acting and the United States has been really good to me. I love it here. But I will always consider New Zealand my home and I'm still a westie. I have fond memories of surfing at Piha and playing street games on Kopi Place in Massey with the kids next door.'"
The article is also available online: Stuff.co.nz/.../Launch-pad-to-acting.
Discuss this topic in the SWNZ Message Boards.
Related article: Daniel Logan Biography.
Matt G
Airfix Star Wars KitPedia, the first online encyclopedia devoted to Airfix Star Wars model kits and related promotional materials, is now online. It also covers all variants of those kits which were made by other companies (MPC, Kenner, Takara, Parker Brothers, AMT/ERTL, etc), as well as some Non-Airfix Star Wars kits from 70s and 80s.
Kitpedia is a nice website in its own right (I'm a big fan of information archive sites of its type), but it also has direct relevance for New Zealand fans, as it describes the NZ-made Toltoys/MPC kits in their international context.
Check it out at www.KitPedia.com.
Related article: Toltoys (NZ) Ltd, Part 1.
Matt G
The episode of The Clone Wars that features Daniel Logan once again voicing Boba Fett screened in the US over the weekend, and will broadcast in New Zealand (SkyTV) later in the year. An upcoming issue of the Star Wars Insider magazine (no.117) interviews Daniel...an excerpt from that story is available online: StarWars.com/.../insider117_Logan/index.html.
Matt G
The exclusive mail-away Nahdar Vebb action figures are starting to show up in collector's mailboxes, so get in on the deal before they run out:
Exclusive Figure Offer
Buy any Hasbro Star Wars Starfighter Vehicle and receive an exclusive Nahdar Vebb Figure FREE.
Visit www.farmers.co.nz/competitions.html for full details. Internet offer, by redemption only. Offer is exclusive to Farmers. Limit one per customer, while stocks last. Proof of purchase is required.
The following terms and conditions apply:
1. Limit one per customer, while stocks last.
2. Free Nadhar Vebb figure is limited to the first 300 valid online redemptions.
3. Offer can only be redeemed on purchases made between the 16th-30th of March 2010
More details and discussion on this offer can be found on the SWNZ forums - while over there, you can post pics of your figure and show what you purchased in order qualify for this promotion.
Matt G & Hasbro NZ
Both TVNZ and TV3 have some video coverage of the Wellington Armageddon Convention (now on!)...you can view it online at the following links:
- TVNZ: Armageddon expo opens in Wellington
- TV3: Armageddon: not just for the 'nerds'
Matt G
CoolCollectibles.com.au, Australia & New Zealand's largest stockist of all things Star Wars, are celebrating their 10th anniversary year! Coupled with this event, they have also secured a new shipping pricing structure that is of distinct benefit to New Zealand Star Wars fans - now, kiwi collectors will be offered the same rates as their WA and Northern Territory customers (to see their new standardised rates please go to: bibyco.com.au/secure/catalog/shipping.php). Note that all prices on their website are in Australian Dollars and include GST. Since all NZ customers are GST exempt, you should multiply prices by ten-elevenths (10/11) to get the ex-GST price.
To mark these milestones, CoolCollectibles.com.au are collaborating with Star Wars New Zealand to present our latest competition. Entry is via an online bounty hunt, and prizes, provided by Cool Collectibles, are Cool Collectibles gift vouchers for AU$60, AU$30 and AU$20 for the first, second, and third randomly drawn correct entries. Who could resist the opportunity to choose their own Star Wars prizes?!
Instructions: you need to search through the CoolCollectibles.com.au Star Wars product pages to find a total of six SWNZ Jango Fett logos... ...MORE
Matt G
Don't forget - the figures available through this offer are limited in number (300), so get in on the deal before they run out:
Exclusive Figure Offer
Buy any Hasbro Star Wars Starfighter Vehicle and receive an exclusive Nahdar Vebb Figure FREE.
Visit www.farmers.co.nz/competitions.html for full details. Internet offer, by redemption only. Offer is exclusive to Farmers. Limit one per customer, while stocks last. Proof of purchase is required.
The following terms and conditions apply:
1. Limit one per customer, while stocks last.
2. Free Nadhar Vebb figure is limited to the first 300 valid online redemptions.
3. Offer can only be redeemed on purchases made between the 16th-30th of March 2010
More details and discussion on this offer can be found on the SWNZ forums - while over there, you can post pics of your figure and show what you purchased in order qualify for this promotion.
Matt G & Hasbro NZ
Daniel Logan revealed, through his Facebook account, that, nearly 10 years after his work on Attack of the Clones, he will be returning to the Star Wars universe to voice a teenage version of Boba Fett in The Clone Wars animated series! USAToday.com adds more details, and confirms that Boba Fett's appearance "begins on the show April 23 and continues in the season finale April 30".
Discuss this topic in the SWNZ Message Boards.
Related article: Daniel Logan Biography.
Matt G
The following press release has come in, that might interest Star Wars collectors:
www.Collector-ActionFigures.com have just announced availability the first iPhone application for action figure collectors. With the new 'Action Figure Collector' application, sharing your collection, looking up detailed information, and taking pictures of your action figure collection has never been easier.
By sync'ing their iPhone with their Collector-ActionFigures account, collectors will be able to load all of their figures, including great high-res photos, into their iPhones. Now, collectors can have their entire collection and wanted list with them all the time.
All figure information is available instantly, including series, year, manufacturer, UPC, manufacturer number, and height. Additionally, collectors can zoom in and pan high-resolution photos to see details of the front at back of packaged and loose figures.
For more information, check out the demo video on YouTube, and head on over the their website.
We'll look to be reviewing this product further in the near future.
You can also discuss this topic in the SWNZ Message Boards.
Matt G
CoolCollectibles.com.au pass on the following development in their shipping policy: "We now offer standardised shipping to New Zealand starting from just AU$8.90! In the past we had to base our postal charges to NZ customers on the weight of an order, but we have been able to negotiate a new agreement which now allows us to base shipping on order value just as we do for all regions of Australia. Now New Zealand customers will be offered the same rates as our WA and Northern Territory customers. To see our our new standardised rates please go to: bibyco.com.au/secure/catalog/shipping.php".
Secondly, they have recently re-introduced pre-orders - "Pre-ordering with Cool Collectibles is easy, effective and earns customers a discount off the subsequent in-stock price. What's more, customers' credit cards will never be charged for pre-order items until the they come into stock! A list of upcoming products can be viewed here"
Cool Collectibles have grown, in their 10 years of business, to become the largest collectibles business in Australasia and can validly boast of having one of the largest Star Wars ranges on the planet. Check out their full range at CoolCollectibles.com.au.
Discuss this topic in the SWNZ Message Boards.
Matt G
Further to the recent announcement about the Nahdar Vebb Exclusive Figure, the latest Farmers department store mailer has revealed that selected vehicles (specifically, those from the 87870 assortment) are on sale at $44.99. These are the vehicles necessary to purchase to get in on the Nahdar Vebb offer.
Farmers also has standard 3.75" scale Star Wars action figures on sale at 2 for $30.
Matt G
The following announcement advertising how to get a free, exclusive Nahdar Vebb action figure in a promotion by Hasbro NZ and Farmers department stores:
Exclusive Figure Offer
Buy any Hasbro Star Wars Starfighter Vehicle and receive an exclusive Nahdar Vebb Figure FREE.
Visit www.farmers.co.nz/competitions.html for full details. Internet offer, by redemption only. Offer is exclusive to Farmers. Limit one per customer, while stocks last. Proof of purchase is required.
The following terms and conditions apply:
1. Limit one per customer, while stocks last.
2. Free Nadhar Vebb figure is limited to the first 300 valid online redemptions.
3. Offer can only be redeemed on purchases made between the 16th-30th of March 2010
So, head out to your closest Farmers department store (from tomorrow), and make sure you don't miss out. Once you've got your figure in hand, head on over to our forums to post pics of your figure and to share/discuss what you purchased in order qualify for this promotion.
Matt G & Hasbro NZ
One notable addition to yesterday's report - it wasn't clear at the time, but has been confirmed that the Death Star Vintage Superstar shoes will also be available.
Matt G
The following update has come in from adidas, to announce the latest items from Star Wars range, due in New Zealand this Friday:
I just want to inform SWNZ readers that we have the next installment of footwear due to drop in store this Friday March 12th, 2010.
We have hitting the floor, in adidas Originals Wellington and adidas Originals Christchurch, the following:
- AT-AT Forum Mid
- Tie Fighter Nizza Hi
- Millennium Falcon Stan Smith
- X-Wing Samba
Check out www.adidas.com to get a full appreciation of the range!!
We have a healthy amount of pre-orders already but if you would like to be first or next in line for a pair of sneakers, please email me at [email protected] and I will put you on our ever growing list for a pair of these sneakers.
Alternatively drop into the respective stores:
adidas Originals Store
Cnr of Willis & Mercer St
Wellington CBD
(04) 472 9412
adidas Originals Store
Shop 264, Westfield Riccarton
129 Riccarton Rd
Riccarton
Christchurch
(03) 348 0237
Ana Te Whaiti
Adidas Originals Wellington Manager
Kiwi actress Keisha Castle-Hughes played a brief but memorable role as the Queen of Naboo in Revenge of the Sith. Her latest project has her joining the cast of Legend of the Seeker, in an episode late in season 2 (not yet screening in New Zealand), as no less than "The Creator" - deity of that fictional world. Fans of Legend of the Seeker will realise that this makes her the third Star Wars alumnus to make an appearance in the adpatation of Terry Goodkind's novels - Jay Laga'aia (Captain Typho) has had a recurring guest role across both seasons, and Bruce Spence (Tion Medon) perfectly enacts the last Wizard of the First Order.
The above image of Keisha comes via the internet's Legend of the Seeker fan network, having originated from an issue of 'Entertainment Weekly'.
Discuss this topic in the SWNZ Message Boards.
Related article: Keisha Castle-Hughes as Queen of Naboo
Matt G
The above animation is further Star Wars humour, created by New Zealand group Mukpuddy.com, to promote the Armageddon Expo events.
Discuss this topic in the SWNZ Message Boards.
Matt G
Today's update of the R2-D2 Space Ice Stickers article features some nice pictures (thanks Nick) of an intact R2-D2 Space Ice wrapper. Quite a rarity!... ...MORE
Discuss this topic in the SWNZ Message Boards.
Matt G
Borders has two new paperback books:
- "Millennium Falcon" by James Luceno, $28.99. 364 pages, ISBN: 978-0-099-54259-9 (There's only one left at Albany).
- "Imperial Commando: 501st" by Karen Traviss, $28.99. 434 pages, ISBN:978-0-099-54282-7. Sorry, I think I bought the last one at Albany.
Both books also have the same excerpt from "Darth Bane: Dynasty of Evil".
On the Farmers bargain shelves there are some older 3-3/4" figures priced at $12 and some Mighty Muggs priced at $15 (as well as a couple of Indiana Jones Mighty Muggs at $10).
Upstairs in K-Mart there are a few boxes of two new Galactic Heroes diorama sets - "Geonosis Battle Arena" and "Escape From Mos Eisley". None of them have price stickers, but the customer scanner prices them at $14 each!! They also have some Galactic Heroes figures and 3-3/4" figures, but I'm not sure if any are new.
Buzz Bumble
Longstanding SWNZ readers will recall that we used to have a Classified Advertisement section, which ultimately proved to be too cumbersome a format to be really useful. With the launching of the new SWNZ Message Boards, however, you can now post and manage your own advertisements for Star Wars collectibles that you are hunting down, have to sell, or are looking to trade: SWNZ Message Boards - Buy, Sell, and Trade.
Matt G
The following announcement comes in from YodasNews.com: For the entire month of February, Yodasnews is celebrating its sixth anniversary, a milestone that is especially rewarding to our dedicated staff. As with previous anniversaries, we will give away TONS of amazing prizes for both casual readers and forum members, and there will be special events that will test your creativity, competitive trivia nights, and much more.
Some of the items up for grabs include: eFx Artist Proof Mark Hamill Signature X-Wing Prop Replica, Sideshow Commander Cody Legendary Scale Bust, Gentle Giant Darth Vader Statue as well as GG Mini Busts and Maquettes, Gift Certs to BBTS, Sideshow 12" Lando Exclusive, Clone Wars Hasbro Figures, Target Exclusive Rancor, Hasbro Battle Packs and Exclusive Figures, FX Sabers and MR Mini Sabers, Bust Ups, Character Keys, T-Shirts and much, much more!
You can see these as well as other prizes right here and more will be added throughout the month. Of course, none of this could be possible without the generosity and support of our Anniversary Sponsors, so be sure to check them out on our prize page.
Matt G
NiubNiub's Universe reports that they have put up Celebration III's Step by Step Making Of instructions for The Death Star Falcon Docking Bay.
This HUGE Playset can be recreated in your own home following the more then 25 pages and 255 pictures at this link. EVERY DECAL that you will need is available in the NiubNiub Download Section. Simply Download and Print the sheets as you follow the building instructions.
This is an amazing scene for those lucky enough to have gotten the GIANT FALCON for Christmas! ;)
Matt G
Hallmark Cards NZ Ltd has held the license to produce Original Trilogy themed products a couple of times in its history. In 1983/84, in conjunction with Hallmark Cards Australia Ltd, they made available a range of Return of the Jedi greeting cards and wrapping paper. Information available suggests that the range was identical in both countries, but branding information on some items indicates that a proportion of the merchandise was made specifically for the New Zealand market. Those who were around in the early 80s will likely remember the quite common ROTJ wrapping paper that featured characters and costumes unique to that third movie... ...MORE
Matt G
The above photograph of a New Zealand edition of an advertising poster takes us back to 1985...when 'Return of the Jedi' had just becomed available to borrow from your local rental store (in VHS, or Beta).
Matt G
The above animation is a short piece of Star Wars humour, created and sent in by New Zealand group Mukpuddy.com. Hopefully it will be the first in an ongoing series!
Discuss this topic in the SWNZ Message Boards.
Matt G
A couple more photos have just become available to round out this archival gallery - pics of the large vinyl banners, used in Burger King branches, that described the Episode 3 promotion and prices. Click on the above thumbnails to view the full size images.
Matt G
As well as the Wellington adidas Star Wars launch event discussed immediately below, the details for the Christchurch equivalent has just come through.
Click on the above thumbnail to view the official flier.
Date: Friday 15th Jan 2010
Time: 6pm-8pm
Venue: adidas Originals Concept Store, Shop 264, Westfield Riccarton. 129 Riccarton Road, Christchurch.
RSVP: to Ana Te Whaiti by Wednesday 13th January (phone 04-4729412 email [email protected])
Dress up and be in to win spot prizes!
Matt G
In addition to our earlier post about the imminent (January 15th) release of the adidas Star Wars range, further details are available about the launch event in Wellington.
Click on the above thumbnail to view the official flier.
Date: Friday 15th Jan 2010
Time: 6pm-8pm
Venue: adidas Originals Concept Store, Ground Floor, Cigna House. 28-48 Mercer Street, Wellington.
RSVP: to Ana Te Whaiti by Wednesday 13th January (phone 04-4729412 email [email protected])
Dress up and be in to win spot prizes!
Matt G
The following announcement about the new adidas Star Wars range have just come in from an official source:
I am more than excited to tell you that there is an adidas & Star Wars collaboration of apparel and footwear that is due to drop in store on January 15th, 2010. This is an exclusive range that will only be available from:
adidas Originals Store
Cnr of Willis & Mercer St
Wellington CBD
(04) 472 9412
adidas Originals Store
Shop 264, Westfield Riccarton
129 Riccarton Rd
Riccarton
Christchurch
(03) 348 0237
Both the apparel and especially the footwear are very limited in numbers... ...MORE
Ana Te Whaiti
Adidas Originals Wellington Manager
The brand new SWNZ, Star Wars New Zealand Message Boards are now open for 2010!
In conjunction with this SWNZ website, Flickr pool, Twitter account and Facebook fan page, the Message Boards aim to expand the SWNZ network into a comprehensive set of resources.
The mission of SWNZ and its Message Boards is to provide a supportive community for all Star Wars fans in New Zealand, and for international enthusiasts who have an interest in the Star Wars New Zealand universe.
Follow this link to sign on now, and/or check out the 'Welcome' message for more details.
Matt G
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