Peter Jackson’s membership in the Order of New Zealand is Gandalf Approved. Photo: Ian McKellen
Yesterday Sir Peter Jackson became an Additional Member of the Order of New Zealand, the highest honour available to someone in New Zealand (That’s contentious I guess, but technically speaking). There are only twenty living people at a time who are members of the Order of New Zealand, with only a handful of “Additional members” who receive the same rights and regard as the official members. He’s also the youngest member of the order, at the age of 51, by a good ten years. For a film director and producer to be anointed such a prestigious position is an exceptional honour, but also shows the effects that one person can have on a nation and an entire industry.
The New Zealand Institute of Economic Research conducted a study into the effects the Lord of the Rings films had on New Zealand’s economy and film industry. The rise in jobs, studios and financing as a result of the films are astounding. There is realistic and appropriate evidence to suggest that the films single handedly boosted the New Zealand film industry from zero to hero in the space of several years. The study is well worth a read for anyone interested in the economical aspects of the film industry or the film industry of New Zealand.
All this is a result of the attitude of one man, which I have discussed previously, and the aspirations and enthusiasm of his youthful interest in film. Peter Jackson’s love of his home country meant to him that the films couldn’t be filmed anywhere else in the world. A decision the New Zealand government have loved. Not only have the films caused a huge boost in the industry, but they also caused a jump in tourism.
New Zealand is now affectionately regarded as Middle Earth to fans of the movies and Tolkien’s universe. There’s nothing that could make your country more enticing than a label like that. In reality, the New Zealand Tourism department didn’t need to say a thing, once people found out it was filmed in New Zealand, the message spread itself. It is worthwhile to honour those who deserve it, and I think that Peter Jackson has firmly cemented his deservingness of this title through the huge impact that he’s had on the nation of New Zealand. So on this day, I tip my hat.