speculation about the buyer of TVNZ's Avalon studios

In 1975 the purpose-built complex at Avalon, Lower Hutt, opened to much fanfare.  However, TVNZ's management decided, like many other big businesses that Auckland wasn't congested enough, and 5 years later began moving productions there, beginning with its network news.

At the end of last year that process was complete when the last show, the 9-12 am "Good Morning" show moved to Auckland.

Last Friday it was announced that the studios are likely to stay as a film and television facility after the sale to a New Zealand buyer.  Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace welcomed the sale: "It's the best result that we could expect, absolutely. My understanding is that they are intending to continue Avalon as an operational centre and grow the business, and that's got to be a positive for the Hutt Valley and the Wellington region because it will mean, in time, more jobs and more opportunities.

"We've even had a production company from China in the Hutt looking at possible ventures, and I think that's a big plus. This has every opportunity to grow that international business."  Mr Wallace said he did not know any further details about the buyers.

TVNZ confirmed that a conditional sale had been agreed with a New Zealand buyer, but the details - including the price - were confidential.

As everyone knows, Hollywood A-list director James Cameron recently revealed he had bought a $20 million farm in the southern Wairarapa and is likely to be spending a lot of time here.