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Additional Member appointed to the Order to mark The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
Sir Peter Jackson is one of New Zealand’s best-known film-makers, and has made a leading contribution to the development of the New Zealand film industry. His work has not only brought him international fame, but has also widely promoted New Zealand as a significant location for film-making, and as a tourist destination. Sir Peter has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to New Zealand causes.
'The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, directed by Sir Peter, firmly established New Zealand on the international cinema stage, with ‘The Return of the King’ sharing the record for the most Academy Awards won by a single film, with 11 awards, including Best Director. He continues to foster the film industry locally through his production facility, Park Road Post. The facility is available for New Zealand film-makers and helps to ensure national films adhere to a high international standard, and by encouraging such ventures as the 48 Hour Film Festival. He has been involved in producing internationally acclaimed movies including ‘District 9’ in 2009, and ‘The Adventures of Tintin’ in 2010. He is one of the founders of the world-famous Wellington-based special effects company Weta Workshop and its digital division, Weta Digital, which has won five Academy Awards for 'The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, ‘King Kong’ and ‘Avatar’. He is currently working on a two-film production of ‘The Hobbit’, a prequel to 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy. Sir Peter has also contributed to a number of charitable causes including Epilepsy Research, the GiveLife organ donation awareness charity, chairing the 14-18 Aviation Heritage Trust and purchasing the site of BATS Theatre inWellington, securing its future.
HONOURS AND AWARDS
Arts Foundation Icon Award 2011
Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, New Year 2010
Member of the Academy of Achievement 2006