Council wants Wellywood decision reconsidered

Wellington City Council has called on Wellington International Airport Ltd to reconsider the Wellywood sign proposal.

At last night's full Council meeting, Mayor Celia Wade-Brown successfully moved a motion requesting that WIAL reconsider the decision to erect the Wellywood sign. The motion, seconded by Cr Paul Eagle, was passed by 10 votes to 4.

The Mayor says the airport has contributed significantly to the growth and energy of the Wellington region in the last decade and Wellingtonians are proud of the new main terminal, opened in 1999, and the edgy Rocks international terminal which opened last year. The new Wild at Heart brand also has been well-received.

"Wellington has worked incredibly hard to build a reputation as the nation's political and cultural capital, in particular as a city with a creative edge in the film industry.

"The worry with the Wellywood sign is that it could undo much of that good work.

"Many, many Wellingtonians have sent a very clear message that they don't like this project. It would simply be wrong to ignore the level of opposition we have witnessed in recent days.

"If a sign is to go ahead at Miramar Peninsula I think it should be one that unites the city."

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