James Cameron Becomes New Zealand Citizen Citing American Polarization and Science Denial
Filmmaker James Cameron has permanently relocated to New Zealand after decades of splitting his time between countries. The 71-year-old director cites the U.S. political climate and rejection of science as primary reasons for his departure. He officially received citizenship in 2025 and now calls Wellington home.
Decades of Connection Lead to Permanent Residency
The decision to leave the United States follows a long relationship with the Pacific nation, Cameron first visited the country in 1994 and fell in love with the culture. He purchased a large farm in South Wairarapa more than a decade ago, he previously traveled back and forth from California for work. The COVID-19 pandemic served as the final catalyst for a full-time move, the director watched the differing national responses to the health crisis closely. He admired the cohesive approach taken by New Zealand officials during the outbreak, this stood in sharp contrast to the turmoil he witnessed in America.
Filmmaker Cites Science and Sanity as Key Factors
Cameron recently opened up about his specific motivations for leaving the U.S., he describes the move as a necessary step for his personal sanity. He pointed to the stark difference in vaccination rates as clear evidence of societal values, New Zealand achieved a 98 percent vaccination rate while the U.S. struggled to reach 62 percent at the time. The director expressed deep frustration with the politicization of facts in his former home, he felt that scientific consensus was being ignored for partisan reasons.
The *Avatar* creator emphasized that he no longer felt aligned with American society, he observed a growing hostility toward objective truth. Cameron and his wife Suzy Amis Cameron moved their family to ensure they lived in a community that respected shared values, they sought a stable environment for their three daughters. He noted that the sense of community duty in New Zealand offers a relief from the division found elsewhere, this social cohesion confirmed his decision to stay permanently.
Local Film Industry Gains Long-Term Commitment
The move solidifies the country's status as a major hub for large-scale cinema, Cameron has pledged to film all future *Avatar* sequels locally. This commitment ensures years of steady employment for specialized crews, it also injects significant capital into the economy through production spending. The director continues to advocate for environmental causes within his adopted country, he frequently pushes for sustainable agricultural practices to lower emissions. Local leaders view his citizenship as a significant vote of confidence in national stability.
Cameron warns that the nation must remain competitive to keep attracting top talent, he suggests that government incentives are vital for the film sector. Officials hope his presence encourages other global investors to consider the country as a safe haven.
