Mercury Twin Cinema – More Than Just Movies

Mercury Twin Cinema is the Coromandel Peninsula’s only movie theatre, and as the McDougalls have discovered, it is much more than just a place to watch movies. 

Not just about the movies

Since taking over ownership of Mercury Twin Cinemas in April 2022 the McDougalls have seen how the cinema acts as a community hub supporting local, celebrating diversity, and bringing people together for memorable occasions. 

The cinema is a place with the community at heart. Matt and I have really enjoyed being part of the positivity that the cinema has as it  plays host to friends and family having time out to enjoy a favourite flic together, or serving community groups as a venue to hold movie fundraisers, as well as providing opportunities to showcase Māori language and cultural films.  

Anne-Maree McDougall - Owner Mercury Twin Cinemas

Special cinema highlights 

The couple have been kept busy with new initiatives in growing the business with a quick snapshot of the highlights below. 

Disney films in Te Reo Māori

One of the highlights of the cinema's programming has been the Disney animated films that have been translated into Te Reo Māori. 

We have loved being able to show all the new Disney animated films that have been translated into te reo Māori. The joy on the faces of the tamariki and rangatahi from Te Kura o Manaia, as they watch these old favourites in te reo Māori. We believe the way we can be better Treaty partners as a cinema is to ensure these titles and other NZ made movies are given a platform to be seen and appreciated. Recently we negotiated a special community price of $5 for "We Are Still Here" which is a beautiful movie which combines several stories of indigenous people. 

Anne-Maree McDougall - Owner Mercury Twin Cinemas

Special events and fundraising

The cinema team is also supportive of local businesses and has collaborated with filmmakers and other organisations to create special events. One memorable moment was the pre-screening wine event for the film "A Stitch in Time," which starred Maggie Blinco. The filmmakers praised the cinema as their favourite venue, and one lucky customer even won a dress featured in the movie.

The roaring success of February’s “Magic Mike” movie fundraising night night saw the cinemas two theatres filled to the brim with bubbling ladies, and raised $2,385 for Project Mammogram. The success put down to the lure of a great local cause, an opening night feature, and the appeal of the lead actor Channing Tatum!

Other events over the year included a fundraiser for the Mercury Bay area School Year 7 & 8 camp, unique meeting venues for AGM’s, prizegiving and one off special screenings.

New and in the pipeline for Mercury Twin Cinemas 

New automation and online ticketing

Anne- Maree and Matt have initiated new initiatives at the cinema to make screenings more efficient and to  grow and enhance what they can offer viewing audiences. 

This year, they’ve implemented an upgraded film programming system that automatically schedules movies, adverts, and timings through to a revamped website and new online ticketing system.  

The online ticketing system has significantly improved the customer experience as they can now purchase their tickets in advance and choose their seats. 

The  McDougalls have also introduced "Choose Day," to the Cinema suite of offerings   where customers can request a movie to be screened at a time that suits their group. This offers groups of 10+ to book a movie screening time to rescreen a favourite or special interest movie. 

Book gaming time on the big screen

The cinema has been running a Mario Kart Tournament on the big screen during March that will see the final competition day topped off by the release of the new Mario Movie on the April 5th.

For gamers the big screens and movie surround sound are available for ‘booked gaming time’ to provide gaming practice, shared gaming family time or special occasions like stag or hen parties. 

Members Rewards Programme

The McDougalls have been committed to continuing to make a visit to the cinema affordable particularly for the regular local movie goers, and have recently launched the new Mercury Twin Cinemas (MTC)  Members Rewards programme. 

• members discounted tickets
• access to special promotions and preview screenings
• purchase discounted tickets to any movie session, on any day of the week

Annual memberships can be purchased for $20 for individuals and $30 for families packages.

Looking Ahead 

French Film Festival  - Over Kings Birthday weekend you’ll be treated to the inaugural French Film Festival. Where there will be a selection of films on offer curated by the NZ French Film Society. Keep an eye out for the programme coming soon.

Ladies Movie Club  - After the success of “Magic Mike” they’ve decided to make ladies night a regular event. First up is the fabulous Toni Collette in Mafia Mamma. The Ladies Night showing is scheduled for Thursday 27th April, which is after the school holidays. Tickets are on sale now through the website - including a ‘Combo Ticket’ which comes with a beverage. (They also hope to offer similar opportunities for men in the future). 

Frederick Pokai visit - Frederick is a New Zealand actor / director / filmmaker, with a local connection! His short films will be showcased in May and he’ll be at the cinema to talk to interested people. 

And, What was the most popular movie viewed in Whitianga?

As for the most popular movies of the year, Anne-Maree says there is a bit of a tie between "Top Gun: Maverick" and "Avatar: The Way of Water." However, some of the most moving films for the cinema's staff include "A Man Called Otto" and "A Stitch in Time." And as for a surprising challenge, the cinema struggled to get enough popcorn containers due to supplier shortages!

Despite some challenges, Anne-Maree and Matt have had many successes in their first year of business. They have a growing number of regular customers, their MTC Rewards Club is gaining popularity and lots more plans for the years ahead!