Mountain Maoris Want Gifts From Cruise

Top climber Tom Cruise - remember Mission Impossible 2 - is in the news again as new Zealand Maoris are demanding gifts from the pint-sized, cliff-clinging star in recognition of his use of their mountain in a new film.

Mount Taranaki is likely to play the non-speaking, but significant role of Mount Fuji in Cruise's latest epic 'The Last Samurai', which is being filmed in the area. Taranaki plays an important part in local legend, where it is regarded as an ancestor of the local Maori people and locals are reportedly concerned that the film will disturb local sacred sites.

One environmental activist says that the film company should make a gesture such as a contribution to efforts to preserve the local mountain environment. To add confusion to the whole affair, the film's director, Ed Zwick, says that Mount Fuji will probably be added electronically to the film once shooting in New Zealand is completed and estimates are that the project will contribute around £19 million to the local economy over the next four months.

Oh, in case you were wondering, Cruise apparently plays the roll of an American army officer rather than a Japanese samurai.

Coming soon: Fort William natives demand gifts from BBC for use of Ben Nevis in scenes from Rockface.