( CNN ) -- Peter Jackson , the Oscar-winning writer and director of `` The Lord of the Rings '' trilogy , was knighted in his native New Zealand . The knighthood was conferred on Jackson on Wednesday for his services to film at a ceremony at the Premier House in Wellington . New Zealand 's head of state Gov . Gen. Sir Anand Satyanand honored Jackson in place of Queen Elizabeth II . New Zealand 's knights and dames are sanctioned by the queen , the country 's official head of state . `` The Lord Of The Rings '' trilogy , which won 17 Academy Awards , including best director , adapted screenplay and best picture for Jackson for the final chapter , `` The Return of the King , '' was largely filmed in New Zealand and showcased the country 's natural scenery . The project broke box-office records around the world and prompted a spike in tourism to New Zealand . Jackson grew up in Pukerua Bay on the North Island of the country . Jackson is currently working with Mexican director Guillermo del Toro on `` The Hobbit , '' a two-movie prequel to `` The Lord of the Rings . '' `` The Hobbit '' is based on a book by author J.R.R . Tolkien .
` ` Lord Of The Rings '' writer/director Peter Jackson knighted in New Zealand . ` `` The Hobbit '' trilogy was largely filmed in New Zealand . Peter Jackson is currently working on ` Lord Of The Rings ''