<p> He was knighted for what the annual list honouring the country's worthy citizens simply calls ''services to film'', reports telegraph.co.uk.<br /><br />New Zealand knights and dames, among the nation's highest honours, are sanctioned by the Queen, New Zealand's head of state.<br />The "Lord of the Rings" trio showcased New Zealand's unique natural scenery as writer J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy land, filled with sword-swinging warriors, elves, wizards and hairy-footed hobbits.<br /> The project broke box office records around the world, won Jackson international accolades, and prompted a spike in tourism to New Zealand.<br />"I didn't think anything would surpass the 2004 Academy Awards, but I was wrong," Jackson said in a statement, adding that receiving the honour was an "incredible moment".<br /><br />Jackson is currently working on the prequel "The Hobbit", also based on a Tolkien book, with Mexican director Guillermo del Toro. <br />Filming is due to begin in New Zealand in early 2010, with the company announcing Wednesday it was seeking extras. <br />Main actors have yet to be announced but some, like Sir Ian McKellen - the wizard Gandalf in the trilogy - are expected to reprise their roles. <br /></p>
<p> He was knighted for what the annual list honouring the country's worthy citizens simply calls ''services to film'', reports telegraph.co.uk.<br /><br />New Zealand knights and dames, among the nation's highest honours, are sanctioned by the Queen, New Zealand's head of state.<br />The "Lord of the Rings" trio showcased New Zealand's unique natural scenery as writer J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy land, filled with sword-swinging warriors, elves, wizards and hairy-footed hobbits.<br /> The project broke box office records around the world, won Jackson international accolades, and prompted a spike in tourism to New Zealand.<br />"I didn't think anything would surpass the 2004 Academy Awards, but I was wrong," Jackson said in a statement, adding that receiving the honour was an "incredible moment".<br /><br />Jackson is currently working on the prequel "The Hobbit", also based on a Tolkien book, with Mexican director Guillermo del Toro. <br />Filming is due to begin in New Zealand in early 2010, with the company announcing Wednesday it was seeking extras. <br />Main actors have yet to be announced but some, like Sir Ian McKellen - the wizard Gandalf in the trilogy - are expected to reprise their roles. <br /></p>