![\"The-Hobbit-Poster-2\"](\"http:\/\/www-images.theonering.org\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/The-Hobbit-Poster-22-300x217.jpg\")
A new survey shows New Zealanders are divided on whether the Government’s subsidy to ensure the Hobbit was made in the country was value for money. <\/p>\n A new survey shows New Zealanders are divided on whether the Government’s subsidy to ensure the Hobbit was made in the country was value for money. <\/p>\n
A UMR Online Omnibus Survey asked 1,000 New Zealanders aged over 18 whether they thought the subsidy was worthwhile. A narrow margin 42% to 38% thought it did represent value for money, with men, older New Zealanders and those on higher incomes more likely to be in favour.<\/p>\n
Production of the films had threatened to be taken overseas until the Government stepped in and offered Warner Brothers a tax break worth $25 million and amended employment laws.<\/p>\n
The first installment in the trilogy was released in December and has made more than US$1 billion in global ticket sales. An independent report commissioned for the Wellington City Council also estimated that holding the film premiere and red carpet event in the city centre contributed $11,794,995 million to the region late last year.<\/p>\n