Executive Summary
- Wellington Airport's giant eagle sculptures, a landmark since 2013, are being removed on Friday.
- The sculptures are being replaced by a new, locally themed display created by Weta Workshop.
- The removal marks the end of an era and a shift away from a heavy 'Lord of the Rings' theme.
Event Overview
Wellington Airport is dismantling its iconic giant eagle sculptures from 'The Hobbit' and 'Lord of the Rings' films after 12 years. The sculptures, which featured Gandalf riding one of the eagles, have been a major attraction for tourists since their installation in 2013. The airport is partnering with Weta Workshop to create a new display, which will be revealed later this year. The removal of the eagles signals a shift in the airport's aesthetic and thematic focus.
Media Coverage Comparison
| Source | Key Angle / Focus | Unique Details Mentioned | Tone |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABC News | Departure of the eagles and impact on travelers. | Mentioned an earthquake in 2016 that caused one eagle to fall. Quotes from travelers expressing sadness over the removal. | Neutral with emphasis on public reaction. |
| NBC News | Details of the eagle sculptures and the reason for their removal. | Highlights the economic impact of the 'Lord of the Rings' films on New Zealand tourism (more than $770 million in revenue). | Informative and factual. |
| KSL.com | The impact of the removal on Wellington's identity. | Repeats details from the Associated Press report, focusing on the local reaction and tourism. | Neutral, focusing on local sentiment. |
| NZ Herald | The new display and the airport's future plans. | Mentions the secret nature of the replacement display and the upcoming multi-level hospitality venue. Includes a quote from Weta Workshop's co-founder. | Forward-looking and promotional. |
Key Details & Data Points
- What: Removal of the giant eagle sculptures from Wellington Airport.
- Who: Wellington Airport, Weta Workshop, Peter Jackson, travelers, airport CEO Matt Clarke.
- When: Removal on Friday, new display unveiled later this year. Eagles installed in December 2013, earthquake incident in January 2014. Announcement made on Monday (May 5/6, 2025).
- Where: Wellington Airport, Wellington, New Zealand.
Key Statistics:
- Key statistic 1: 50-foot (15-meter) wingspan (size of each eagle sculpture)
- Key statistic 2: 2,600 pounds (1.1 ton) (weight of each eagle sculpture)
- Key statistic 3: 1,000 (number of 3D printed feathers on each eagle)
Analysis & Context
The removal of the eagle sculptures marks a shift in Wellington Airport's thematic focus. While the 'Lord of the Rings' films significantly boosted New Zealand's tourism, the airport is now looking to showcase new, locally-themed displays. The partnership with Weta Workshop ensures that the new installation will maintain a high level of artistic quality. The emotional reactions from travelers highlight the sculptures' impact on the airport's identity and the public's affection for them.
Notable Quotes
It's been quite a 'Lord of the Rings'-heavy storytelling theme in here. Now we're looking to change that to something new.
It breaks my heart. Please, please reconsider.
It’s not unusual to see airborne departures from Wellington Airport, but in this case, it will be emotional for us.
There are many more stories to be told, and we’re looking forward to working with Wellington Airport on bringing a new chapter to life.
Conclusion
Wellington Airport is bidding farewell to its iconic giant eagle sculptures after a 12-year run. The removal signifies a change in the airport's theme, with a new, locally-themed display from Weta Workshop set to be unveiled later this year. While the eagles' departure is met with some sadness from travelers, the airport aims to maintain its unique and engaging atmosphere with the upcoming installation, promising a new chapter in its visual storytelling.
Disclaimer: This article was generated by an AI system that synthesizes information from multiple news sources. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy and objectivity, reporting nuances, potential biases, or errors from original sources may be reflected. The information presented here is for informational purposes and should be verified with primary sources, especially for critical decisions.
