Sir Peter Jackson, the acclaimed director of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, is facing a local dispute in Wellington, New Zealand, following the decision to end the lease of the Chocolate Fish Café, a popular establishment at Shelly Bay. The café owners, John and Penny Pennington, expressed their devastation after being informed by a representative of Jackson and his partner, Dame Fran Walsh, that their lease would not be renewed beyond January 31.
The Chocolate Fish Café has been a fixture at Shelly Bay for 15 years. Jackson and Walsh acquired the waterfront property in 2023 after plans for a $500 million housing development were abandoned. Since then, they have invested significantly in the site and are reportedly planning further developments, although specific details remain unclear.
The Penningtons claim the news came as a shock, stating they had long felt supported by Jackson and Walsh. "Despite our requests, we haven't yet been given the opportunity to speak with Peter and Fran directly, and we are asking for that chance," the café said in a Facebook post. The closure will impact 28 staff members.
Wingnut PM, the property arm of Jackson and Walsh's WingNut Group, issued a statement explaining that the decision was due to necessary and extensive remedial work required on the building that houses the café. This includes replacing the roof, restoring the historic frontage, interior renovations, and resurfacing the parking area. The company stated that "The scale of this work makes it impossible for the café to remain open for a period of time". Wingnut PM also claims to have been in discussions with the Penningtons regarding the work and pending closure since early 2024.
However, the Penningtons dispute this, stating they were given the news "without warning" and that they "don't want to be forced to close". They have not been offered an alternative venue. The café has garnered significant community support, with many locals expressing their disappointment at the prospect of its closure.
This isn't the first time Jackson's property dealings in Wellington have stirred local interest. He owns a substantial portfolio of properties in the Miramar area, where his Wētā group of film-making companies is based. Jackson's investments reflect a commitment to Wellington's creative economy. Recent projects include a veterinary hospital in Miramar.
The situation highlights the challenges small businesses face when dealing with large property owners, even those who are generally seen as positive contributors to the community. While Jackson and Walsh's company cites necessary renovations as the reason for the lease termination, the café owners and their supporters are hoping for a resolution that allows the Chocolate Fish Café to remain open. As of October 5, 2025, the future of the Chocolate Fish Café remains uncertain, with the owners seeking direct communication with Jackson and Walsh to explore potential solutions.
