Rallies organized to “Keep The Hobbit in New Zealand” drew thousands of attendees in six cities in New Zealand on Monday, as local talent, employees, and supporters expressed their support for a New Zealand shooting location, according to the New Zealand Herald.  Although the labor dispute with the local actors guild has been resolved, Warners and New Line execs are still considering a move to another country for the $500 million two-film production (see “Hobbit Leaving New Zealand?”). 

Rallies were held in Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton, Queenstown, and Matamata. Between 2000 and 3000 people attended the rally in Wellington, according to the Herald, where Weta chief Sir Richard Taylor spoke to the crowd.  A statement from director/producer Peter Jackson in which he railed against the Australian union that began the labor dispute was read at the rallies.

Meanwhile, Warners and New Line execs are negotiating with government ministers in what looks like a state visit, with the Prime Minister expected to meet with the delegation on Tuesday.