We live in the Middle of Middle Earth

For those who don't know, Wellington has a burgeoning film industry, with one of the world's leading special effects workshops, Weta, occupying a non-descript, but highly secure, lot in Miramar.

The famous Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed across NZ, including several locations in Wellington (including Mount Vic). And all the special effects were done out of the nondescript Miramar location.

Now the prequel(s) to LOTR, The Hobbit, are due to premiere next month. Again, Wellington has been at the heart of the production, and the film's launch is, fittingly going to be held here.

In celebration of the premiere, Wellington is going to be renamed "The Middle of Middle Earth" for one whole week. We just hope we're not going all become Hobbits as well!

The Hobbit trailer

They can't get rid of us now!

Two years ago today, we landed in "windy Wellington" to start our newest adventure.

It's more than an anniversary. It's a major milestone as an NZ immigrant.

When you first get residency, to all intents and purposes, you are a permanent resident. But they put a two-year restriction on your visa. If you remain in country, it doesn't matter. But if you want to travel anywhere, you wouldn't be able to get back in after those two years is up.

So, once you've got through those first 24 months, you can then apply for your "proper" permanent resident visa, that doesn't expire. Ever. Providing you've demonstrated "commitment" to NZ.

Today, Ian trooped down to our local immigration office with paperwork and passports in hand. And now we have some shiny new visas in our passports that mean we could leave tomorrow and not return for another 20 years. But we'd still be eligible to live and work here.

Not that we're planning on moving any time soon! But it does mean that these kiwis can't get rid of us now!