Peter Jackson's Wellington Property Drama: Cafe Retracts False Claims
Wellington's Chocolate Fish Cafe retracts claims against Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson regarding property closure, highlighting plans for historic site renovation and public space development.
A prominent Wellington cafe has issued a public apology to acclaimed filmmaker Sir Peter Jackson and Dame Fran Walsh after falsely suggesting the Oscar-winning duo were personally responsible for forcing the establishment's closure.
Historic Property at Center of Controversy
The dispute centers around the historic Submarine Barracks property in Wellington, where cultural and property developments often intersect with public interest. Jackson and Walsh, celebrated for their contributions to New Zealand's cultural landscape, purchased the property in 2023 with stated intentions to restore its natural beauty.
Clarification and Apology
The Chocolate Fish Cafe, a beloved local establishment operating from the historic site, initially expressed distress over the termination of their lease scheduled for January. However, they have now retracted their earlier statements and officially apologized to the filmmaking couple.
"We apologize to Sir Peter Jackson and Dame Fran Walsh for falsely claiming they were involved in the decision to end our tenancy. We were entirely wrong, and it is important to us that we let you know,"
Property Development Plans
WingNut PM, the property management division of Jackson's business empire, has revealed ongoing discussions with the cafe's owners since 2024. The planned redevelopment, which comes amid significant economic changes in Wellington, aims to create a public amenity for all city residents.
Support During Transition
According to WingNut PM's statement to the NZ Herald, the company has offered support to help the cafe maintain operations through the summer period, despite the inevitable closure due to renovation works. The development plans reflect a broader vision for revitalizing the Wellington waterfront area while preserving its historic significance.
Ella Thompson
Ella Thompson is a Wellington-based journalist covering politics, climate policy, and digital freedoms in the Pacific. With a background in law and international relations, she brings sharp analysis and a passion for civic accountability.