'Wellywood' gets All Blacks treatment

An announcement on whether the controversial Wellywood sign will go ahead is expected this week. Photo / Andy Bateman

A 737-sized banner of support for the All Blacks is set to go up on the hillside previously designated for the controversial 'Wellywood' sign.

Wellington Airport today announced it was putting up the temporary sign, which would only read 'ALL BLACKS', on Miramar Peninsula for the Rugby World Cup.

The site had been set aside for a massive 'Wellywood' banner until the project was stopped by an outpouring of public opposition - including a drive-by protest at the airport organised by a 26,000-strong Facebook group Wellingtonians Against the Wellywood Sign.

New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew said the temporary 'All Blacks' sign was an honour.

"The sight of a giant All Blacks sign as people fly into Wellington is a really generous and unique way of demonstrating commitment to the team."

Airport chief commercial officer Matt Clarke said the sign was designed for the unprecedented number of international visitors expected to arrive in Wellington in the coming weeks.

"This is an unmissable opportunity to let them know just how excited we are about the tournament and how supportive we are of the All Blacks."

Meawhile, the airport announced a competition set up to allow Wellingtonians a chance to give their views on a long term replacement for the 'Wellywood' sign.

The 'Wellywood or What?' competition allows residents to submit their ideas to a specially chosen panel of designers, protesters and council officials.

Panelists would choose eight of the best designs and put them out to a public vote, an airport statement said.

It said the most popular design would immediately replace the All Blacks sign on the hillside.