Hobbit Premiere Provides a Welcome Boost to Wellington

Media Release

20 February 2013

Hobbit Premiere Provides a Welcome Boost to Wellington

The $11.7 million brought into Wellington by the premiere of The Hobbit is further evidence of just how vital the events business is to the city, says Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Raewyn Bleakley.

“This a fantastic result, and backs up what businesses in the city were reporting from premiere week.

“It certainly vindicates the decision to support the event.

“It shows just how important it is for organisations in the city – the council, tourism, and business organisations – to work together to ensure we keep what we’ve got and to attract new events.

“The Hobbit premiere was right up there with the Rugby Sevens, the World of Wearable Arts, and the Festival of the Arts in providing a huge economic and feel-good boost to the city.

“The benefit of international exposure which Wellington received from the event – as a visitor destination and as a source of creative talent - will have real benefits for the city,” Ms Bleakley said.

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