The Hobbit

A casting agent for Wellington producer Sir Peter Jackson's planned film adaptations of The Hobbit has been dismissed after placing newspaper advertisements seeking extras with "light skin tones".

The Government moved swiftly to protect the fictional "little people" of the film industry, but has not showed the same commitment to the early education of New Zealand's own children, argues Darrell Latham.

The US movie studios backing filming of The Hobbit have thanked John Key's government for its support of the project.

Thanks to his considerable political nous, his out-and-out pragmatism and his canny ability to strike a deal in the least favourable of circumstances, John Key largely escaped being the latest victim of what the film industry - from Hollywood to Wellywood - is calling the Curse of the Hobbit.

Parliament has passed a labour law change the Government says was an essential part of the deal to ensure The Hobbit movies stayed in New Zealand.

Some actors and unionists at the centre of the row over the Hobbit movie have been given extra protection after receiving death threats.

A Queenstown film technician has dismissed criticisms of the Government's $34 million tax write-off deal with The Hobbit producers Warner Brothers, saying the bargain has made New Zealand's film industry "stronger than ever".

It is unusual for governments and political figureheads to involve themselves in direct negotiations with companies or international organisations and, effectively, to be seen as "touting for business".

Filmmakers Sir Peter Jackson and his wife Fran Walsh have welcomed the decision that The Hobbit films will be shot in New Zealand and said public support made all the difference.

There is widespread relief that production of The Hobbit movies will stay in New Zealand, but Prime Minister John Key is copping both praise and criticism for the concessions given to United States film studio Warner Bros.