Since premiering at the Tivoli Cinema in May 2025, The Tavern has become one of New Zealand’s biggest independent film success stories, and it all began in Cambridge.
Written and produced by local filmmaker Matt Hicks, The Tavern is a raunchy R16 comedy about five small-town guys racing to save their rundown pub from an Auckland property developer.
Packed with humour, heart, and unapologetically wild Kiwi energy, one critic described it as “if Flight of the Conchords and South Park had a Waikato lovechild.”
Filmed largely at Cambridge’s historic Masonic Hotel, the movie was a true community effort, with locals volunteering as extras and helping behind the scenes. That local support helped launch the film into a three-month sold-out run at the Tivoli Cinema, creating momentum that carried it to 40 cinemas nationwide.
The film has since drawn crowds from Tauranga to Christchurch, building a cult following with audiences dancing to “Bliss” by Th’ Dudes and enjoying the unique pub-style atmosphere at screenings.
Featuring music from Cambridge rock band The Datsuns, The Tavern proudly celebrates itslocal roots.
Now recognised as New Zealand’s highest-grossing independent film of 2025, The Tavern stands as a true Cambridge success story.
