HRH Queen Elizabeth II took the very special occasion of her birthday and Diamond Jubilee to make new appointments to The Order of New Zealand, the country’s highest honour. Among the list of distinguished men and women who have rendered invaluable services to New Zealand Queen Elizabeth appointed Sir Peter Jackson a Member of the Order of New Zealand. This accolade follows Jackson’s previous Order of Merit in 2002 and Knighthood in 2010.
Comedian and Oscar-winner Bret McKenzie was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, adding to his long list of achievements. American born Joe Letteri, director of the Academy Award-winning visual effects company Weta Digital, was also made an honorary ONZM for his service to film. They will be joining the likes of Richard Taylor and who was knighted in 2010.
In a statement, Jackson said he was “stoked” to join the Order of New Zealand.
“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.
‘The ingenuity, creativity and spirit of our New Zealand crews, and our wonderful actors, never ceases to inspire me.
‘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 stills feels like a hobby. I haven’t got a real job. I’m stoked,’ he said.
Read more here and a complete list of all the recipients can be found here.
