Economic Development Minister Gerry Brownlee told the New Zealand Harald that not only is the loss of “The Hobbit” films dreadful for New Zealand, it greatly impacts future film production in New Zealand. He said:

“It’s a dreadful situation and it’s going to take a bit of work to even get future productions into good shape.”

The article further says:

The Employers’ Chamber of Commerce Central’s president Jo Bransgrove said there would be a huge economic loss if the filming was lost abroad.

“The filming of The Hobbit provides an opportunity for the creation of thousands of jobs and the injection of millions of dollars into the local economy.
“The economic momentum generated from the success of the Lord of the Rings trilogy would be lost if it does not go ahead.
Ms Bansgrove said it would “disastrous” if the filming was lost.

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