12 Feb 2013

PM denies Govt bullied over 'Hobbit' information

10:04 am on 12 February 2013

Prime Minister John Key has denied the Government was bullied into keeping documents about The Hobbit dispute secret for more than two years.

Mr Key says there is nothing embarrassing in the 18 documents which Ombudsman David McGee has now ruled should be made public.

Mr McGee's report said New Line Cinema warned it would harm New Zealand's chances of hosting future films if the Government was not prepared to protect sensitive information from disclosure.

But Mr Key said the Government was not bullied and he is not worried this country could become less attractive as a film destination.