Council has been right behind putting Gatehouse together

The massive Gatehouse doors have arrived and the craftsmanship is incredible.

The plastic thatching is going up quickly and I believe the scaffolding will be down this week. Everything is on target for November 29.

I have had one or two people asking: ‘‘How much is the Gatehouse costing the ratepayer?’’

The $200,000 cost of creating the facade is being funded by us – the Matamata Public Relations Association.

We are an incorporated society. We are not council owned or operated.

We work hard to make the money that funds projects to keep Matamata growing. However, we do have incredible support from the Matamata- Piako District Council.

They are positive about the opportunities that The Hobbit will bring to our district and clearly understand how the Gatehouse will gain international media attention for Matamata.

We previously explained the removal of the damaged Gollum sculpture at the Welcome to Matamata sign in this column. However, people are still asking.

We removed the sculpture as it had three sets of eyes stolen, was bashed by some idiot one night and although we tried to take off the rough edges, it just could not be repaired.

The damaged sculpture was not ideal for our visitors photos of the Welcome to Hobbiton sign.

The Gandalf seat replaced the sculpture.

We have purchased a Weta Workshop designed bronze Gollum who will sit outside the new Gatehouse.

He is currently inside our building just waiting for us to decide on the perfect position for him.

Look out opening.

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