Ex-Mayor's Wellywood comments cleared

A group opposed to Wellywood take part in a protest at Wellington Airport on Monday night. Photo / NZ Herald

Comments about the Wellywood sign made by a former Wellington mayor won't be investigated by the Human Rights Commission.

Wellington Airport's decision to fund a 30m-long, 8m-tall Wellywood sign which mimics the iconic Hollywood sign has provoked a wave of opposition.

It also prompted a protest at the airport on Monday night.

Sir Michael Fowler wrote a letter to a Wellington newspaper in which he said those opposed to the sign were likely to be dumb, humourless and Irish.

Those comments prompted complaints to the Human Rights Commission, which says it's received several calls from members of the public expressing their concern.

However spokesman Gilbert Wong says there's nothing the Commission can do about it.

He says they recognise the comments might cause offence, but under the New Zealand Bill of Rights everyone has the right to freedom of expression.

He says as long as comments don't incite racial disharmony they are not unlawful.

- with Newstalk ZB