Events / April 15, 2003

Auckland Armageddon Expo 2003 Report

The 2003 Auckland Armageddon Expo took place over the weekend of 12–14 April, at the Aotea Centre. Although in previous years SWNZ had a stand promoting Star Wars hobbies that was presented under its own name, this year we combined with the local 501st Legion costuming club (the ANZ Garrison contingent) to assemble a display of Star Wars costumes and life-size prop replicas that included stormtroopers, R2-D2, many imperial helmets, an assortment of weapons, and more. It was an interesting year for Star Wars fans, as Kenny Baker the actor inside R2-D2 for all of the Star Wars movies to date, was a celebrity guest. Kenny signed autographs at the convention, and also made a number of appearances in local media, including on the TVNZ music show “Space”… where he was interviewed about his experiences acting from inside the little barrel-shaped robot.

As well as Star Wars actor Kenny Baker, movie/television guests included Mira Furlan (Babylon 5), Gil Gerard and Erin Gray (Buck Rogers in the 25th Century), Brent Stait (Andromeda), Anthony Simcoe (Farscape), Tony Amendola (Stargate SG1), and Robert Picardo (Star Trek: Voyager)