Relief all round that Hobbit will stay

Actor and union representative Robyn Malcolm says she is 'thrilled and relieved' The Hobbit films will be made in New Zealand. Photo / Herald on Sunday

Two industry heavyweights on opposing sides of the row surrounding The Hobbit last night welcomed confirmation that the multimillion-dollar movies will be shot in New Zealand.

But one of them was guarded about the concessions the Government was forced to make to safeguard the project.

Robyn Malcolm, the union's public face during Hobbit-related industrial action, told the Herald she was "thrilled and relieved" the films would be made in this country.

"I just want to join the rest of New Zealand in being absolutely thrilled to bits that it's staying here and that Sir Peter gets to film his films here, which is what he's always wanted. I wish them nothing but the best. I hope they have an awesome shoot."

But she was guarded when asked about the Government's willingness to make employment law changes, apparently at the behest of Hollywood giants Warner Bros. Such changes were a conversation for "another day".

Weta Workshop head Sir Richard Taylor said it was magnificent Hobbit filming would be staying in NZ.

He had been receiving many, many texts from colleagues in Wellington who were relieved by the decision.

"There was such a huge amount of concern and anxiety for all involved, so it's a great thing."

The Government's move to change the law to ensure the production went ahead showed the amount of political support for the movies, he said.

"They [the Government] have obviously weighed up the benefits and have considered it to be for the benefit of the country, and it must be significant enough for this to be a necessary process."

Sir Richard believed the uncertainty about film-making in New Zealand had been lifted, meaning more foreign producers would consider making their films here.

Council of Trade Unions president Helen Kelly said although the CTU was pleased the films would be made here, it had concerns about what it saw as unnecessary changes to employment law.

"This is just another attack on workers' rights. We think it's opportunistic and unfortunate that a multi-national company can come in and command changes to the law.

"What does that say about New Zealand?"

It was "outrageous" and "really unfair" that Prime Minister John Key had failed to accept union assurances that there would be no disruption of filming, or pass those assurances on to Warner Bros, Ms Kelly said.

"We're very happy it will be filmed here, but I'm unhappy with how it developed."

NZ Actors' Equity industrial organiser Frances Walsh said the move was nothing but good news for the country.

"It's great news. We've always wanted it to stay here, obviously.

"It's a brutally competitive market and the Government has come up with an incentive package to resolve Warners' economic concerns, so it's very good news."

Ms Walsh could not comment on legislative aspects as her union's members were yet to look at these.

Speaking about Sir Peter Jackson, she said his calibre had pushed international companies to want to make sure filming stayed in New Zealand.