James Cameron Moves to New Zealand Amid Pandemic
James Cameron has made a significant life change, fulfilling a long-held aspiration to leave the United States for New Zealand. Prime Minister David Cameron, now 71, revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic greatly influenced his decision to relocate his family across the globe.
Interestingly, the “Titanic” director mentioned that his attraction to New Zealand isn’t really about the scenery. Instead, it seems more about the “sanity” of the country during turbulent times.
The author of “Avatar: Fire and Ashes” and his wife, Susie Amis Cameron, made the move about five months into the pandemic. Cameron recalled visiting New Zealand in the 1990s and forming a bond with the land, promising himself he would settle there one day.
Initially, after starting a family with Amis, they planned to move to the 12,000-acre farm they bought in 2011 once they finished with “Avatar.” However, the pandemic led to a shift in those plans.
Explaining their choice, Cameron pointed out that New Zealand has effectively eliminated the virus multiple times, achieving a 98% vaccination rate. Comparatively, he noted the U.S. vaccination rate was around 62% but declining.
“This is why I love New Zealand,” he said. “Kiwis are, on the whole, pretty rational. The U.S. feels so polarized and chaotic by comparison. It’s a stark contrast.” He posed a thought-provoking question: Would one prefer to live in a society that embraces science and works toward a common goal or one gripped by division and chaos?
When the interviewer mentioned New Zealand’s stunning beauty, Cameron was candid, stating, “I’m not there for the views. I’m there for my sanity.”
As “Avatar” grossed over $2.74 billion globally, becoming the highest-grossing film until “Avengers: Endgame,” Cameron has also spoken out about climate change and criticized President Trump for his approach to environmental issues.
In a conversation with a journalist, he labeled Trump as “the most narcissistic bastard in history since Nero,” remarking that this quote could be shared. Cameron has voiced concerns over environmental decline and emerging threats to humanity, noting how essential storytelling in film can be in shaping societal change.
