The town transformed into American logging town Millhaven for more than a month last year to shoot part of the Disney film and dozens of West Otago people were involved in the production. Today was the first chance for the district to view the completed film, with two screenings at the West Otago Community Centre on August 13 as a "thank you'' to the community for hosting the film crew and production. West Otago Community Board chairwoman Barbara Hanna said it was "absolutely amazing" and others echoed her comments. Tapanui West Otago Promotions chairman Horace McAuley said Pete's Dragon would be "huge" for New Zealand as well as for Tapanui. The scenery was part of the attraction and West Otago was proud to have payed a pivotal role in hosting the production, he said.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 13, 2016 06:56 UTC