Knighthood for Jackson

Director Peter Jackson was among five New Zealanders to become knights or dames after a return to New Year’s honours. Former Prime Minister Helen Clark — who axed British honours while in office — received the country’s highest accolade, becoming a member of the Order of New Zealand. Jackson, whose career started with the 1987 horror movie Bad Taste, was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2002. “I didn’t think anything would surpass the 2004 Academy Awards, but I was wrong,” Jackson said. His Lord of the Rings trilogy won a total of 17 Academy Awards. It is understood Jackson is now working to adapt the Mortal Engines fantasy novels for the screen, as well as producing The Adventures of Tintin and The Hobbit.