Sir Peter Robert Jackson Gets NZ's Highest Honour

Sir Peter, a film maker, knighted in 2010, has again been recognised by becoming an additional member of the Order of New Zealand for his services to New Zealand.

The Order is the country's highest honour, with full membership restricted to 20 living people at any time. "To be counted in such company is an extraordinary honour and I would like to accept it on behalf of all those who work within the New Zealand film industry," he said in a statement.

Award-winning films are not Sir Peter's only contribution – he has over the years donated to causes including epilepsy research, organ donation awareness and stem-cell research.

His production facility, Park Road Post, continues to foster the film industry and he is one of the founders of Weta Workshop and its digital division Weta Digital. Sir Peter and partner Fran Walsh also bought the site of iconic but troubled Bats Theatre last year, securing its future.

Sir Peter says the ingenuity, creativity and spirit of his New Zealand crews never ceased to inspire him, and he tipped his hat to the actors he had worked with.

"I would also like to thank the people of New Zealand for so readily and enthusiastically cheering on a kid with a camera from Pukerua Bay. It still feels like a hobby. I haven't got a real job. I'm stoked."

The honours list also saw Weta Digital director Joe Letteri made an honorary officer of the Order of New Zealand. Letteri has won four Academy Awards and four Bafta Awards for his work in visual effects. He has worked on films including The Lovely Bones, King Kong, Avatar, Tintin and The Lord of the Rings.

Source: The Dominion Post