Peter Jackson - Peter Jackson Visited By Prime Minister On Hobbit Set

The politician joined the director on the set and they posed for pictures together as Key voiced his support for the country's film industry, while Jackson praised the prime minister for backing the movie.

Jackson told reporters, "I'm not a political guy; I support the film industry. I support the people that want to work in the film industry... That's what I've always done... I don't really have a political affiliation at all... when we have a cry for help I do appreciate the way that John and his government helped us."

Jackson also took the opportunity to announce the world premiere of the Lord of the Rings prequel, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, will take place in Wellington in November, 2012.

The second part of the movie, The Hobbit: There and Back Again, is due for release in 2013.