Mayors share premiere joy

Wairarapa's mayors said they were privileged to walk the red carpet at the world premiere of The Hobbit in Wellington on Wednesday.

South Wairarapa Mayor Adrienne Staples walked down the red carpet before attending the premiere at Reading Courtenay. Celebrity guests saw the movie at the major screening at The Embassy.

A fan of fantasy movies, Mrs Staples said watching the movie in 3D was great.

"I was ducking and diving as those rocks came out of the screen," she said.

"The movie itself was just out of this world."

Carterton Mayor Ron Mark had 45 minutes to get from the airport to the city centre after spending the day doing business in Taupo.

Although it was a rush, he managed to make it to the red carpet just in time.

"It was an amazing experience," he said.

"Lord of the Rings is right up my alley so I've been anxiously waiting," he said.

Masterton Mayor Garry Daniell said the film was "spectacular".

"It obviously showed New Zealand off to great effect," he said.