Waikato Times
LOUISE RISKLast updated 13:59 03/11/2011
There were helicopters, trucks and motorbikes, but no sign of any hobbits in the South Waikato settlement of Wharepapa South yesterday where filming for The Hobbit began this week.
A farm in Wharepapa South, an area renowned for its rock climbing, was packed with vehicles and tents, but apart from the security guards on the gate and the odd person alighting from one of the two helicopters that were flying in the area, few people could be seen on the set.
From across the valley, the property, believed to be owned by Graeme and Karen Saunders, looked suitable for Middle Earth territory, with numerous rocks jutting out of the green rolling hills.
Locals were quiet on the filming, either genuinely unaware of what was going on, or honing a few acting skills of their own.
Stu Fieten, a mechanic at Fieten Motor Services, said to his knowledge it was the first time filming had happened in the area, but he was not convinced it would generate a rush of tourists.
On a personal level, Mr Fieten said the only business Sir Peter Jackson's latest film had generated for him was repairing one punctured quad bike tyre.
He had not seen any of the Hollywood stars, or any other actors in the The Lord of the Rings prequel.
Mr Fieten said the land they were filming on was great for motor-cross riding, and it had large areas unaffected by human influence. "I don't suppose they'd want a fence in the background while they were filming."
The driver of a Hobbiton Movie Set and Farm Tours van from Matamata was unable to comment on what she was doing in the area.
Wayne Green, manager of community relationships at Waipa District Council, said 3 Foot 7, Sir Peter's production company, did not need resource consent for the filming at Wharepapa South because they were not interfering with any of the district's resources.
"It's a bit like anyone going around the district taking photographs, they don't need consent for that."
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