Rings Couple to Get the Key to Wellington
Staff Reporter

The Lord of the Rings partners Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh would be honoured with the key to the city of Wellington, Mayor Kerry Prendergast said at the weekend.

"The award will give the pair the ceremonial freedom to parade with drums beating and colours flying through the streets," she said.

The announcement comes amid news of Golden Globe nominations for and box office records set by The Fellowship of the Rings, the first film in the movie trilogy.

"On behalf of all Wellingtonians, I congratulate Peter and Fran," Ms Prendergast said.

"Their achievements are huge on an international scale - and they're appreciated nowhere more than here in Middle-Earth.

"The Lord of the Rings has made a huge difference to our city and put it in the spotlight like never before. The economic benefits alone have been huge - and that's before the expected spinoffs from all the international exposure we're getting."

The venture had made all Wellingtonians fiercely proud, Ms Prendergast said.

"The world's most ambitious film project is hitting screens all around the world - and it was created right here in Wellington.

"And for that, we owe Peter and Fran a huge debt."

The pair have been invited to receive their honour at the council meeting on February 20.