Tenths Trust looking for Jackson deal

Red tape could be the only thing between film director Peter Jackson and the expansion of his Miramar-based movie-making studios.

A stretch of land on the Miramar Peninsula, encompassing the run-down former defence base at Shelly Bay and Wellington Prison, has been tipped as the scene of Jackson's next development.

The land is owned by the Defence Force, Corrections Department and Wellington City Council.

But the lands trust for Te Atiawa, the Tenths Trust, is negotiating with the Government for the return of land as part of its Treaty of Waitangi claim.

Trust spokesman Peter Love said that, despite the delay in settlement, the trust had "great expectations" for the land, which might include Jackson.

"He's got money to invest, tremendously I think ... he's in expansion mode, not in contraction mode."

Jackson, who he called "the King of Miramar", had not approached the trust, but once the settlement was completed he "probably" would.

"It would make sense. He clearly wants to stay in that area, so you can't move around that area without him because he's a big investor."

Asked if he was supportive of Jackson's rapidly expanding empire, he said: "Oh, hell yes."

Mr Love used to live in Miramar and said it was "the most boring suburb of Wellington, until [Jackson] walked in".

"There's been nothing of consequence done in Miramar ... forever, ever.

"He's the only person of substance who has decided to live in, substantially shift to Miramar."

The trust's vision for the expanse of land was "in line" with that of community action group Enterprise Miramar Peninsula, which released a vision for the area that included a hilltop hotel, cable cars and restaurants.

"We have a collaborative association ... They've got hopes, we've got hopes too, but it's all just hopes."

Mr Love would like to see the development of a hotel at the prison site because of its proximity to the airport.

"But it's pure speculation until such time as we get the nod."

The trust has already received three offers from interested international hotel chains, which mistakenly thought the Treaty claim had been settled.

A spokesman for Jackson said he had no comment on Mr Love's statement.

- © Fairfax NZ News