Travel & Experiences

Offbeat Traveler: New Zealand’s ‘Wellington Blown Away’ sign

"Wellington Blown Away" sits on Miramar Peninsula in Wellington International Airport. The design won with about 57% of the vote. "Eye of the Taniwha" received 34% and "Wellywood" received 9%.

“Wellington Blown Away” sits on Miramar Peninsula in Wellington International Airport. The design won with about 57% of the vote. “Eye of the Taniwha” received 34% and “Wellywood” received 9%.  (Hagen Hopkins / Getty Images)

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“Wellington Blown Away” debuted at Wellington International Airport in July after 2 1/2 years of debate. A “Wellywood” sign was originally announced by the airport in March 2010, in hopes of promoting the capital city’s film industry. After local disapproval, as well as some displeasure from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which holds the trademark for the iconic Hollywood sign, a public vote was held to choose alternatives. “Wellywood” eventually finished last to “Wellington Blown Away” and “Eye of the Taniwha,” taken from Maori mythology, in a final vote.

'Wellington Blown Away'

Workers assemble “Wellington Blown Away.” The sign was designed by Matt Sellas and Raymond McKay of the advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi.  (Hagen Hopkins / Getty Images)

'Wellington Blown Away'

A crane lifts an “I” to the “Wellington Blown Away” sign. The design is a nod to the city’s windy conditions.   (Hagen Hopkins / Getty Images)

'Wellington Blown Away'

An “N” follows behind.  (Hagen Hopkins / Getty Images)

'Wellington Blown Away'

A crane lifts the final four letters.   (Hagen Hopkins / Getty Images)

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