Jackson wants transparency over museum

A perceived lack of transparency surrounding the construction and design of Wellington’s Movie Museum and Convention Centre is a key concern behind Sir Peter Jackson’s threat to pull out of the project.

The movie mogul launched a scathing attack on the Wellington City Council for not putting the contracts out for tender, and questioning whether ratepayer money was being used efficiently.

‘‘We have never understood why the design contract was awarded to Studio Pacific [Architecture] without tender, and are concerned, both as project partners and Wellington ratepayers, that this is going to happen again. We feel it would be wise to tender this process,’’ Jackson said in a letter to councillors on Tuesday.

In August last year, Stuff reported the construction of the $150 million movie museum would not be put out to tender, because of an earlier deal agreed with developer Willis Bond.

‘‘There appears to be no tendering process on either the design or construction of the building, and this seems contradictory to the most efficient use of public money,’’ Jackson said in the letter, on behalf of The Movie Museum Limited (TMML), signed by Jackson, Sir Richard Taylor, Fran Walsh and Tania Rodger.

‘‘Given the close ties between WCC and Willis Bond in the arrangement to secure land, we feel transparency regarding any obligations attached to this contract are clearly of interest to all parties involved,’’ the letter said.

The council would pay for the new building, while TMML would fund the museum fitout, and feature Jackson’s extensive collection of movie memorabilia.

"There appears to be no tendering process ... this seems contradictory to the most efficient use of public money." Sir Peter Jackson

The letter also raises concern that TMML is expected to pay project management and consultancy costs to Willis Bond if they collaborate in the fitout, and understands the council intends to use Willis Bond’s sister company, LT McGuinness, as the primary construction contractor.

It is understood there is some dismay at the council about why Jackson would bring up his concerns now.

Council spokesman Richard MacLean said: ‘‘We reiterate the points that we made in August 2016 in terms of the rationale for not tendering the project.

‘‘We also point out that TMML was involved from an early stage in decisions about the design of the building and the choice of architects, construction firm and other details.’’

Last year, the council’s decision not to tender was criticised by property developers and some councillors, who believed a lack of competition would mean ratepayers might not get value for money.

At the time, Wellington Mayor Justin Lester, who was then deputy mayor, said that, without Willis Bond, there would be no museum, because the council would not have been able to acquire the land. It was a ‘‘partnership or nothing deal’’.

Lester said yesterday he and chief executive Kevin Lavery had briefed councillors and senior officials.

‘‘We have reached out to Sir Peter Jackson and Sir Richard Taylor. We are looking forward to meeting with them at their earliest convenience. This is an exciting venture for Wellington, and we plan to explore every option.’’

Willis Bond said it was not for the company to comment.

Studio Pacific Architecture also referred requests for comment to the council.

❚ We need the film museum, A12