Details about the live-action remake of the 1998 animated feature are scarce.
In Oamaru, Oasis Antiques owner Greg Waite confirmed a props company involved with the production hadbought several items from his shop that would be used in the film.
They included antique Chinese rakes, rice shovels, small, intricate storage boxes and pottery, some of which was several hundred years old.
"They’re just mopping up these pieces you probably won’t even see in the movie," he said.
"The point is these people are here and they are finding us in Oamaru," he said.
"We are not off the beaten track ... we’re on the map for these huge international organisations. It’s a big deal."
Mr Kircher said the economic benefits any major production brought to the district were huge.
"The benefits are very good and ... it’s really good to hear some are benefiting from it already."
