Sir Peter Jackson could pull pin on his Wellington Movie Museum

Tuesday, 5 December 2017

A drawing of the proposed $150m movie museum and convention centre, drawing inspiration from Wellington's position as the head of Maui's fish: Te Upoko o te Ika.

Sir Peter Jackson is threatening to pull the pin on Wellington's $150 million Movie Museum, amid concerns over the city council 'reneging' on its contract with him.

Wellington city councillors, chief executive Kevin Lavery, and mayor Justin Lester all received a letter on Tuesday on behalf of The Movie Museum Limited (TMML), signed by Jackson, Sir Richard Taylor, Fran Walsh and Tania Rodger.

Sir Peter Jackson with his Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car - one of the items that was set to be part his movie collection in the Movie Museum.

It is understood Jackson penned the leaked letter – described by councillors as a 'divorce letter' – because he was angry at how the council, as an overbearing landlord, had been pushing ahead selfishly with the museum, for which he would pay $3m in annual rent.

In bold print he wrote: 'WCC seem intent on reneging on many of the terms already agreed in the November 2015 signed contract.

* Almost lights, camera, action for Sir Peter Jackson's Wellington Movie Museum

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'This is the principal cause of ongoing delays, and it feels that WCC are attempting to sabotage the project. We hope this is not the case and common sense can be allowed to return to process.'

Under the signed agreement, the council would pay for the new building, while TMML would fund the museum fitout, and feature Jackson's extensive collection of movie memorabilia.

In the leaked letter, he says it is no longer in a collaborative partnership, and questions whether the council understands TMML's investment.

To date, his company had invested millions of dollars on consultancy and and management fees, and had given up its time for free.

It would also spend a further $50m on the fitout for his $200m collection of sets, props and artefacts.

He said he was 'somewhat disheartened' after the overall vision of the project had been lost.

An unacceptable update on the development agreement (including a change in rent terms, scrutiny of TMML and its books, need for approval and lack of freedom) had raised many concerns.

There was 'no way' TMML would agree, he said.

'Given the level of our investment … we simply cannot move forward in the manner which is outlined in the current agreements.'

The council was also not giving assurances on the longevity of the project, maintenance or lease termination, the letter says.

'We cannot commit to the level of fitout required to build a world-class movie museum without any assurance around our 25-year lease.'

He insists TMML must also have the right to terminate the lease after two years if the business conditions are not as expected, which was outlined in the original agreement.

He criticises the council for its lack of transparency and raises concern that TMML is expected to pay project management and consultancy costs to Willis Bond.

He asks that his company has representation on the project control group, and the right to approve variation in designs and timeframes for completion.

'All of these have the potential to adversely impact the movie museum.'

He outlines 55 specific matters he would like to resolve.

A council source says staff have been exasperated by the number of meetings Jackson and TMML have cancelled.

Lavery said he was disappointed the letter was in the public domain, and the council was considering its details.

'We are eager to sit down with Sir Peter Jackson, Sir Richard Taylor and other TMML representatives to discuss the concerns raised.'

Lester said he would be gobsmacked and incredibly disappointed if Jackson pulled out.

A TMML spokesman refused to comment.

On Saturday, Stuff reported an alternative use for Wellington's proposed movie museum was being developed as fears mounted that Jackson's delays could see the project fall over.

Ongoing delays while Jackson finalises his fitout plan led to the formulation of a plan B, and calls from Wellington's Chamber of Commerce to move on without the movie mogul.

Sources close to TMML say Taylor might take over some of aspects of the project, and the council will pay for the fitout.

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