'Wellywood' sign panel announced

The members of the Miramar Peninsular Sign Panel will decide on alternative options to be put forward for public vote, alongside

The names of seven people who will decide on suitable alternatives to Wellington Airport's controversial proposed "Wellywood" sign have been announced.

The members of the Miramar Peninsular Sign Panel will decide on alternative options to be put forward for public vote, alongside "Wellywood".

In March last year, the Wellington Airport company announced plans to erect a Hollywood-style Wellywood sign on a hillside next to the Miramar cutting, but there was public outcry last month when it said the sign would go ahead.

The panel consists of greater Wellington Regional Council chairwoman Fran Wilde, Wellington Employers' Chamber of Commerce president Richard Stone, Wellington Tenths trust chief executive Liz Mellish, Kirkcaldie and Stains managing director John Milford, Gibson group director David Gibson, Enterprise Miramar Peninsula chairman Allan Probert and Andy Boreham, who led a drive-by protest around the airport against the sign.

Airport company spokeswoman Kat Lintott said when panel members met this week they would determine the process to find alternative ideas and how the public could vote for a sign that would give Wellington international recognition, reflect its contribution to the film industry and attract visitors to the region.

She said the airport would participate as a facilitator of the panel and provide support to the panel's deliberations including assisting and funding; communications, advice, and the voting process, but would not have a vote on the alternative options.

- NZPA