Peter Jackson
Sir Peter Jackson, of Wellington, received the Insignia of a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to film. Sir Peter has continued to excel in and significantly contribute to the New Zealand and international film industries. In 2004, The Return of the King, the last film in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, won 11 Academy Awards. Along with three other films, The Return of the King holds the record for the most Academy Awards won by a single film. He has since written, produced, and directed King Kong and The Lovely Bones. In 2003 he opened a film post-production facility, Park Road Post Production, in Miramar, Wellington. Park Road Post Production has enabled Sir Peter and other filmmakers to make films in New Zealand to an international standard. He actively encourages young filmmakers and supports the 48 Hour Film Festival and the Wellington Fringe Festival. He financially supports local organisations, including the South Wellington Montessori School, Miramar North School and the International Institute of Modern Letters at Victoria University of Wellington. He contributes to Epilepsy Research in New Zealand and is the Patron of the GiveLife New Zealand Organ Donation Awareness Charity. In 2006, Sir Peter was made a member of the Academy of Achievement.