Gearing up for the World Premiere – Wellington gets ready

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In a press release earlier this week, Wellington Mayor, Kerry Prendergast said, in part:

“The premiere provides a special opportunity for Wellingtonians to show off what they do best to the rest of the world. Let’s show the world why Wellington is New Zealand’s most creative, innovative city… .”

As an example of the lengths we’ve gone to, to be the best hosts ever (!), Anna Saunders from local Wellington paper the Contact reports the following projects as part of JASON (codename for the scheme to prepare the city for the premiere):

  • $1 million makeover of Manners Mall (don’t think US mall, think, big city courtyard surrounded by shops)
  • Face-lift for the iconic Bucket Fountain (apparently a favourite of the LotR cast)
  • Water-blasting of popular city congregation points (sparkly and clean)
  • Complete resurfacing of surrounding roads and tunnels
  • Replacement of watermains along Kent Terrace (on which the Embassy theatre sits)

    It’s not only what we are doing, but what we’re not doing:

  • Postponement of Mt. Victoria’s reservoir upgrade so unsightly earthworks don’t obscure views popular with tourists
  • Discouragement of contractors carrying out any noisy/unsightly work near Courtney Place

    Now, I would imagine this is a lot of preparation compared to the preparations undertaken by other cities around the world, who are perhaps, more accustomed to large premiere events. But boy, my neighbourhood is getting a big spruce up, and I can’t wait for the show to start!

    For more details of what the city plans for the premiere, including details of the city long parade, check out the WCC LotR info site.

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