Avatar 2 crew resumes shooting in New Zealand; opposition calls it political favoritism

As New Zealand returned back to its normal life after lifting the lockdown, and beating coronavirus, international visitors have not been welcomed in the country yet.

However, a charter plane carrying nearly 60 film crew was welcomed in Wellington, drawing criticism from the opposition political leaders.

The Avatar crew was allowed past New Zealand's closed borders after the Government granted an exemption for them.

Right-wing party, ACT, leaderDavid Seymour called this "an insult to working New Zealanders."

“What are the rules at the border? At the moment, it seems that if you’re a friend of the Government, you’re in business. If not, you’re on your own. There should be one rule for everyone... It’s unacceptable for politicians to be picking and choosing who can enter the country," he told the local media.

Pointing out the injustice between the exemptions,Seymour said many other industries, were depending in these special exemptions to bring back their skilled labourers back to the country to get the businesses up and running again. However, those businesses have been unable to get permissions.

"It certainly would seem some are not getting that same treatment. There must be a lot of small businesses wondering if there are different rules for different people... why does this particular venture get preferential treatment?," saidNational Party economic development spokesperson Judith Collins.

The crew flew in from Los Angeles to Wellington on an Air New Zealand Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, according to local news agencies. The crew has reached New Zealand to shoot Avatar and another secret un-named project.

“The two production companies met the criteria, providing employment to around 600 New Zealanders, and because of the significant level of economic activity from each production," Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment's Iain Cossar told local reporters, explaining how the projects needed to be shot in the country"as key cast are committed to future projects".

Producer Jon Landau posted on Instagram about his arrival in the country that won the battle against COVID-19. The crew has been quarantined for 14 days.

Officials have confirmed that all the cases were judged individually, without being lobbied by the studios. The candidates had to have a highly unusual talent or skill, and the project had to be time-sensitive. The projects are being assumed to provide a big financial boost to the country.

The team is in quarantine at QT Hotel on Cable Street in Wellington.