'Lord of the Rings' director Peter Jackson has been named in New Zealand's New Year Honours List.
He has been named a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, with his scriptwriting partner, Fran Walsh, named a Member of the Order of Merit.
Speaking about the award, Jackson said that the recognition for arts and culture far outweighed any personal satisfaction.
The next instalment in the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy will hit screens at Christmas 2002.
