Like it or loathe it

Wellington Airport-owned land on the hills of Miramar Peninsula could soon sport a Hollywood-style sign with the word ‘Wellywood’ erected in 3.5m high letters, that is, if it isn’t in violation of Hollywood’s trademark. Director Peter Jackson told The Dominion Post that the sign was “tongue-in-cheek humour at its very best.” But he added, referring to The Lord of the Rings and Avatar, “Beneath the leg-pulling is genuine pride. Within a mile of the sign is the birth place of Middle Earth and Pandora.” Hollywood Chamber of Commerce president Leron Gubler yesterday said his lawyer had confirmed the proposal would violate the Hollywood sign trademark. He said he thought communities were better off creating something that symbolised their own community. “Recreating the Hollywood sign might be cute for a little while, but if you’re going to leave it up there, you’re better to do something that’s unique.” Taika Waititi, whose film Boy is due for release soon, said the idea was fine as a short-term installation for the film festival or other such event. “But the prospect that this thing could be sitting there for 30 years is probably what makes people vomit a little in the back of their throats.”