Hobbit documents release almost certain

The NZ government is likely to release details about the deal it struck to secure the Hobbit series. Source: AAP

THE Kiwi government is almost certain to release confidential documents about the deal it struck to ensure the Hobbit movies were made in New Zealand.

Prime Minister John Key says he isn't concerned by a warning from Warner Bros that disclosure could stop future blockbusters being produced in the country, and doesn't think there's anything in the documents that will embarrass the government or the movie studios.

Radio New Zealand applied for the documents in November 2010 under the Official Information Act but ministers refused on the grounds they were commercially sensitive.

The broadcaster appealed the decision and Ombudsman David McGee last week ruled 18 documents, including emails between Hobbit director Sir Peter Jackson and government officials, must be released.

"It's highly likely the government will be complying with the Ombudsman's ruling," Mr Key said on Monday.

"Anyone who deals with the government needs to understand we are subject to the Official Information Act."

Asked at his post-cabinet press conference about Warner Bros' warning that releasing the documents would be "a major disincentive" to future productions, Mr Key said: "I'm not concerned by that, I don't think that's likely."

Mr Key says he doesn't think there's anything "hugely sensitive" in the documents.

"Having read it all and read it all again, I don't think there's anything that's going to embarrass the government or necessarily the other parties."

The government secured the Hobbit trilogy by changing employment laws and beefing up the tax rebate sweetener for the productions.

Unions fought the law changes and the Labour Party accused the government of chequebook legislation.

Mr McGee doesn't think the documents pose serious commercial risks and has told ministers to hand them over on or before March 1.

The government could overrule him by issuing a veto which was introduced in 1987 but has never been used.

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