Pinball Spots

Earl currently lives in New Plymouth and as a family business has been operating pinball, arcade and all manner of coin-op equipment in the region since 1978, and for a time owned the Palmerston North arcade George’s. He was also involved with servicing gaming machines since their emergence in the late1980’s.

Please see below for some historical photos and inventory.

Earl and his technician Ron with a giant 1979 Atari Hercules machine, and a 1980 Williams Firepower.

Robert lives in Dunedin and started collecting pinballs in the early 1990’s.

Often buying from arcades and operators who were selling down old stock, he amassed a sizeable collection.

Robert also tried his hand at operating as well.

Gary has been involved with pinball and coin-op amusements since the 1970’s.

Since operating machines on site in the early days under the name Coin Cascade he became a nationwide distributor for all types of coin-op equipment and the owner /director of Time Out and Timezone family entertainment centres. The chain was sold to Teeg Ltd in 2019.

Gary continues as the NZ distributor for Stern Pinball.

Mike was the owner / operator of Spacetec Coin Ltd, based in Wellington, NZ. The distributors of Williams/Bally pinball machines for the lower north island. Mike also ran family entertainment centres and operated various street locations during those years from 1986 - 2006.

Mike (centre) at the “Laser Force” maze-bazed laser tag at a Courtenay Place, Wellington arcade in 1995

Pinball technician training at Norbert Snicer’s seminar workshop in 1994.

Matt Kemp lives in Auckland, NZ and is a pinball programmer for Spooky Pinball. He recently created the code for the custom machine Motorhead, built by David Peck, and showcased at Texas Pinball Festival 2024.

Danielle has grown up around pinball, and achieved some significant wins at major global tournaments. A strong advocate for women’s pinball, she is always welcoming and encouraging others to get involved.

Kerry Hogan lives in Auckland, NZ and has been a collector, repairer and restorer of pinballs for some 30 years. Known in the industry as "Tilt" his work is highly regarded by his customers.

Bruce Moran worked as a technician with Wellington operator Thom Houtman, and also had his own interest in pinball and arcade machines.

Tyler Dipper represented NZ in the 2023 World Pinball Championships in Germany, and after some tough competition finished 17th of 80 . This is the best any kiwi has done in the 10 years we have been participating.

Tyler talks about that experience, and generally his love for pinball.

At age 15, he has learnt a lot about the hobby in the 4 years he has been involved.

David Kilderry, along with his brother Matthew, was involved with pinball collecting and operating around Melbourne, prior to opening the Lunar drive-in movie complex in Dandenong.

Hear him talk about his love for both pinball and arcade, and movie culture.

David with a classic AMI Continental at the Prince of Wales Hotel, St Kilda.

David’s brother Matthew owned an impressive array of original Space Invaders machines

A promotional photo for “Ghostmuncher / Uniwars” made under licence by Leisure & Allied Industries for the Australian market (circa 1981).