When people fly into Wellington, soon one of the first things they might see is a huge Hollywood-style sign – only adapted for our capital – “Wellywood”.

Wellington International Airport is planning on erecting the Hollywood-style sign on the Miramar peninsula as a way of celebrating New Zealand’s burgeoning film industry in the city.

Wellington Airport CEO Steve Fitzgerald said the Airport support’s the capital’s film industry.

There are no less than seven film-related companies based on the Miramar peninsula, led by Weta’s range of production workshops and studios.

And the film industry is definitely significant for Wellington’s economy, with a direct spend estimated at $285 million per annum.

"The sign will be one of the first things people will see when they arrive in Wellington,” said Wellington mayor Kerry Prendergast.

“They will be left in no doubt that this is the heart and soul of New Zealand’s film industry, and that the city is proud of its achievements."

Wellywood is an emerging tourist attraction; with film tours taking in the Miramar film enclave becoming very popular, with around 100,000 people through the Weta Cave in the last year.

"The sign will help cement Wellywood’s place as an international tourism landmark, increasing both visitation and number of visitor nights in the capital," said Fitzgerald.

The sign is planned to be erected on the airport’s land above the Miramar cutting and will measure about 28m in length.

Mainzeal and Beca will begin construction of the sign offsite, with a final installation expected in June.

Pictured: An artist's rendering of the sign.