1.1 Purpose and scope
This policy explains how Firefly Cinemas manages weather and environmental risks for public drive-in and outdoor cinema events, and how weather-related postponements, relocations, interruptions and cancellations affect tickets.
For private, corporate, school, club, charity and equipment-hire events, this policy applies together with the accepted quote or signed agreement.
1.2 What the Kiwi Weather Guarantee means
The Kiwi Weather Guarantee is a clear remedy promise, not a promise about the weather. If Firefly decides that an advertised event cannot safely or reasonably proceed as planned because of weather or site conditions, Firefly will communicate the available options under this policy.
Depending on the event and circumstances, options include automatic transfer to a rain date, a Firefly digital Event Credit, or a full refund where required by law.
1.3 Who makes the decision
Firefly's event safety lead makes the operational decision after consulting MetService weather radars, venue ground staff, and local safety authorities.
1.4 Information considered
Firefly continuously monitors:
- MetService forecasts, radar observations, and wind gust warnings.
- Ground firmness, drainage, access routes, and vehicle traction.
- Manufacturer limits for Airscreens, electrical systems, and projection plant.
1.5 Light rain
A screening will proceed in light rain. Watching rain on your windscreen while cozy inside your car with FM audio and heaters on is a beloved drive-in tradition!
1.6 Weather conditions likely to trigger a change
Conditions triggering postponement or cancellation include:
- Sustained high winds or gusts exceeding 45 km/h.
- Lightning or severe thunderstorm warnings within 15 km.
- Civil Defence emergency alerts, flooding, or severe regional road closures.
1.7 Rain dates and postponement
Where a rain date is scheduled, your ticket automatically transfers to the backup date. If you cannot make the rain date, you will receive a digital Event Credit or refund.
1.8 Relocation or indoor backup
If an indoor backup venue is secured, details will be communicated via email and SMS at least 3 hours prior to gate opening time.
1.9 Communications and timing
Weather updates are broadcast via email, SMS alert to the booking phone number, and posted across our official Instagram and Facebook pages by 3:00 PM on screening day.
1.10 Customer responsibility
Please check your email and SMS before travelling to the venue, dress warmly, and ensure your vehicle has working wipers.
1.11 Interruption after the screening starts
If sudden severe weather forces a film to stop before 50% of the runtime has elapsed, attendees will receive a free replacement pass or Event Credit.
1.12 Travel and third-party costs
Firefly is not liable for personal travel or accommodation expenses incurred outside of the ticket purchase price.
1.13 Private hire, business bookings and force majeure
Private and corporate screenings follow the weather and force-majeure rescheduling clause outlined in their event hire contract.
1.14 Statutory rights preserved
Nothing in this policy limits rights or remedies under the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 or Fair Trading Act 1986.