Extra $4.5m to help NZ cash in on 'Lord of Rings'

The Government will pump an extra $4.5 million over the next two years into a range of projects aimed at helping New Zealand cash in on the The Lord of the Rings film trilogy.

Prime Minister Helen Clark today outlined plans to make the most of opportunities from the films for tourism, the film industry, the country's international profile and attracting expatriates home.

The first of the film trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring, will have its New Zealand and Australian premiere in Wellington on December 19.

Helen Clark said promotions for the films and for the America's Cup races would showcase the best of New Zealand.

"In the first phase of these initiatives, focused on the premieres of the first film, $475,000 has been allocated by the Government," she said.

"In total, the Government and its agencies will be committing up to $4.5 million on further projects related to The Lord of the Rings over the next two years."

Helen Clark said that because the three films were shot at a range of locations throughout New Zealand, "The Lord of the Rings presents a unique opportunity to showcase our country to the world".

"There are significant and on-going spin-offs for tourism, computer software, film-making, wine and food and dozens of other local industries."

She said details of the second round of spending, totalling $1.2 million, would be announced soon.

Money for the projects was on top of that already earmarked by Government agencies.

Tourism New Zealand had committed $1.6 million this year and Trade New Zealand $155,000.

"In total, some $7 million has been allocated by Government agencies in the current financial year on America's Cup defence and The Lord of the Rings spin-offs."

More money would be allocated next year.

Helen Clark said six projects costing $475,000 had been approved in the first round of spending.

Cabinet minister Pete Hodgson would oversee the projects, which included:

* Promoting New Zealand at the four main film premieres in London, New York, Los Angeles and Wellington, and at the first screenings in Japan, Italy and Canada.

* Placing New Zealand supplements in leading film trade magazines Variety, Hollywood Reporter and Screen International.

* Inviting overseas news media to New Zealand.

* Publishing maps identifying New Zealand as the home of Middle Earth and manufacturing Kiwi gifts incorporating the Rings theme.

- NZPA

Feature: Lord of the Rings