Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
The Hobbit has already gained an Oscar nomination, despite being weeks out from its official cinema release.
The Hobbit runs rings around other blockbusters, despite one of its characters resembling Jar Jar Binks, an early review says.
The Government wants to offer better incentives to get more foreign TV shows filmed in New Zealand.
All reviews of The Hobbit are under embargo, but that hasn't stopped those at the premiere from sharing their thoughts on social media website Twitter.
A media of many accents pleaded with minders for soundbites as the great and good headed down the 600m red carpet in order of ascending fabulousness, writes Russell Baillie.
The stars turned up in their best dresses and suits, the city turned on the weather and 100,000 fans lined the red carpet.
Tens of thousands of <i>Hobbit</i> fans greeted the stars walking the red carpet this afternoon ahead of the premiere of Sir Peter Jackson's new film.
Tens of thousands of Hobbit fans have now packed into downtown Wellington ahead of tonight's world premiere.
Peter Jackson took a swipe at Australians and talked about filming The Hobbit in a press conference today.
Hobbit fans line the red carpet as they wait to see stars arriving for the world premiere of the Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, in Wellington.
Cinemas are rushing to install technology allowing them to show The Hobbit at 48 frames per second.
Watch all the action from the world premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, in the official live stream.
Our guide to all the characters and locations in <i>The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey</i>, ahead of its premiere today in Wellington.
Newstalk ZB's Kim Savage is at The Hobbit Red Carpet and previews what's happening this afternoon along Wellington's Courtenay Place in Middle-earth.
Peter Jackson won't be the only person on the red carpet at today's <i>Hobbit</i> world premiere who should be addressed as "Sir".
The road to today's The Hobbit premiere has been marked by legal battles, industrial disputes and a swap of directors.
Members of the cast have been flown into Wellington on Air New Zealand's Hobbit-inspired 777 - they had a chat to Newstalk ZB's Edward Swift mid-flight
What's your actual height and did you lie about it to get the part?
Arriving back in New Zealand feels like landing in Middle-earth for Royd Tolkien.
Final preparations are under way in Wellington for tonight's world premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey as Middle-earth mania grips the capital.
Hobbits, dwarves and wizards have transformed Wellington into Middle-earth today, touching down in the capital ahead of tomorrow's The Hobbit world premiere.
Hobbit fever has hit NZ, but there are more sceptical voices when it comes to the value of luring major studios to New Zealand, writes Bryce Edwards.
Cast and crew of The Hobbit arrive at Wellington International Airport after flying on the Hobbit-themed Air NZ boeing 777 - 300ER aircraft.
