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This graphic released Monday, Oct. 8, 2012 by Wellington City Council shows a logo designed by Daniel Reeve, an artist who worked on the cartography and calligraphy for "The Hobbit" trilogy. New Zealand\'s capital is preparing for the world premiere of the opening film in "The Hobbit" trilogy by showcasing an artisan festival selling all manner of small-folk paraphernalia, laying a red carpet that will extend 500 yards through central Wellington and even renaming the city itself after the trilogy\'s fictional setting of Middle-earth. Wellington is planning to spend 1.1 million New Zealand dollars (00,000) to mark the Nov. 28 premiere of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" at the Embassy Theatre. It\'s a fitting venue for the movie directed by Wellington resident Peter Jackson and filmed throughout New Zealand. (AP Photo/Wellington City Council) EDITORIAL USE ONLY

New Zealand to rename capital after Middle Earth for premiere of Hobbit movie next month

WELLINGTON, New Zealand – New Zealand’s capital Wellington will rename itself “The Middle of Middle-earth” when it hosts the world premiere of The Hobbit movie trilogy next month.

Middle-Earth is the fictional setting for the movies.

Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says the city will spend 1.1 million New Zealand dollars ($900,000) on a red-carpet celebration for the Nov. 28 premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey at the downtown Embassy Theatre.

The movie is the first of three prequels to The Lord of the Rings movies. It’s directed by Wellington resident Peter Jackson and is shot in New Zealand.

The city will also host Hobbit artwork and an artisan festival.

The city says the postal service and local newspaper will be among many agencies to use the unofficial Middle Earth moniker for three weeks.

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