Auckland celebrates 21 years of 'Power Rangers'
Galactic-themed global franchise Power Rangers is celebrating its 30th anniversary with the New Zealand release of Power Rangers Cosmic Fury, exclusively on Netflix. One of the longest-running children’s live-action series in television history, Power Rangers has delivered more than 900 episodes in its 30 years on air.
Created by Haim Saban, the show launched in 1993 with Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and became a popular after-school staple. Following the sale of the show’s production company to Disney in 2002, production moved from the United States to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland for its 11th season – Power Rangers Ninja Storm – and has been filmed in Auckland, supported by Screen Auckland, and around Aotearoa New Zealand ever since.
Power Rangers jumping in front of fire explosion
Auckland has provided a range of striking landscapes and diverse environments to bring the fictional world of Power Rangers to life. The production team has made use of Auckland's urban areas, forests, beaches and other natural settings to create the distinct worlds for each season of the show. This has provided visually appealing backdrops for action sequences and contributed to production cost savings.
Power Rangers has been a significant production for Auckland’s talented cast and crew for more than 20 years, providing a major boost to our region’s global reputation for fast turnaround television expertise and playing an important part in giving local actors an opportunity to showcase their talents to international audiences.
Amongst the household names who have appeared on the show – either in person or by providing vocals – are Miriama Smith, Teuila Blakely, Jared Turner, Anna Hutchison, Rose McIver, Antonia Prebble, Oliver Driver, Kimberley Crossman, Stig Eldred, Kate Elliot, Ian Harcourt, Donogh Rees, Holly Shanahan and Mark Mitchinson.
Power Rangers has also provided great career development opportunities for local crew, growing their expertise, helping Auckland land important international productions, developing local IP, and taking our talent to the world.
Emmy nominated Auckland based VFX company PRPVFX Ltd has been the powerhouse behind Power Rangers' visual effects, making sure every episode is as exciting as possible, and processing sometimes upwards of 100 VFX shots per week. For two decades, their expert team has been indispensable in interpreting the Power Rangers' world, creating CG creatures, adding improbable effects and enhancing environments.
Local directors who have showcased their skills on the show include Charlie Haskell, Michael Hurst, Robyn Grace, Jonathan Brough, Peter Salmon, Mike Smith, Peter Burger, Vanessa Alexander, Mark Beesley and John Laing. Producer talent includes Sally Campbell, Janine Dickins and Sarah Spurway, alongside production designers Tracey Collins and Miro Harre.
Trainee programmes have offered a valuable training ground for talented Kiwis to grow their skills in a professional environment. As the production looks to evolve for future seasons, Auckland celebrates an incredible 21 years of supporting Power Rangers and the indelible mark it has left on our local industry.
With the release of Power Rangers Cosmic Fury, the show sees popular Mighty Morphin Power Rangers cast member David Yost return to the series as his original character, Billy Cranston. Simon Bennett serves as executive producer for his last season with the show.
Alongside Power Rangers Cosmic Fury, the series celebrates its 30th anniversary with the release of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always, a special streaming exclusively on Netflix and available now.
Power Rangers has contributed to Auckland’s screen industry and economy over the years.
By 2021, Power Rangers total New Zealand qualifying production expenditure was $205,759,004 which includes $100,356,528 paid to Auckland vendors and $98,055,182 to Auckland crew.
