Screentime New Zealand, part of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment, today announces its investment in the award-winning Southern Light Orchestra Project, LUMA, as it partners with the SILO team to bring a brand-new, family-friendly night walk to Queenstown. Hosted at the town’s Kiwi Park, a five-acre wildlife sanctuary dedicated to the conservation of New Zealand’s native species, tickets for LUMA Enchanted go live on April 25, with the experience running through winter 2025.
Aligned with its home—Kiwi Park, which houses over 20 species of native birds and reptiles as part of nationally managed conservation programs—LUMA Enchanted offers visitors an immersive, mystical experience centered around New Zealand’s unique wildlife. Previously a cornerstone arts and culture event, LUMA will now, for the first time, lean into Screentime New Zealand’s unrivaled track record in scripted television production to combine artist installations with expert storytelling, taking the offering to the next level. Transforming the setting with the latest in light and sound technologies, the united team will deliver an innovative sensory experience that will enhance the natural beauty of the park and its important conservation message.
Philly de Lacey, CEO of Screentime New Zealand, contextualize the milestone within the framework of a sustained interest in the local event calendar: "For over eight years, LUMA has been key to Queenstown’s annual calendar of events. In bridging its specialism in light and sound with our expertise in drama and entertainment, we recognized we could bring added value by scaling up the experience. We have always believed storytelling doesn’t have to be confined to one medium, and thanks to Banijay Entertainment’s entrepreneurial spirit, we have the freedom to flex. Through LUMA Enchanted, we hope to showcase the power of storytelling in a way that transforms this unique event into an unmissable, immersive spectacle," explained.
Meanwhile, Duncan Forsyth, LUMA Originator, commented: "Whilst working on our long-term plan for LUMA, we were approached by a collaborator from last year’s event. Screentime NZ presented us with an opportunity to take LUMA into the next chapter. Having worked closely with the team before—including when they captured some incredible moments for 'A Remarkable Place to Die' at LUMA24—we knew they understood the heart and soul of the event. This partnership allows LUMA to evolve in a new home at Kiwi Park, with Screentime bringing their expertise in storytelling and production to create LUMA Enchanted. We’ve had a glimpse of what’s to come, and we’re excited to help bring this new experience to life," expressed.
As a family-owned and operated sanctuary, Kiwi Park is committed to wildlife conservation, rehabilitation, and education, making it the perfect setting for this reimagined event. By merging storytelling, creativity, and environmental awareness, LUMA Enchanted will offer visitors a one-of-a-kind nighttime experience that not only captivates but also contributes to the park’s conservation efforts, ensuring that each ticket purchased helps support the protection of New Zealand’s native species.
Tying in with LUMA’s original ethos, LUMA Enchanted is dedicated to connecting people and engaging local artists to support local businesses, education, and creative networks. As an annual activation, each year it will enjoy a creative overhaul to ensure continued originality in concept—enthralling attendees time and time again.
With Screentime New Zealand’s investment and storytelling expertise, LUMA, previously a five-day festival, has now been supercharged into a winter-long ticketed event, set to become a whimsical, awe-inspiring spectacle for tourists and local families alike. In taking residency at Kiwi Park, this new offering will not only transform the visitor experience but also bring added exposure and support to one of Queenstown’s most important conservation hubs. Visitors can expect the experience to take roughly 45 minutes to one hour.
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