James Cameron Relocates to New Zealand from U.S. for Mental Well-being

James Cameron, the acclaimed director of “Titanic” and “Avatar,” has made the significant decision to relocate to New Zealand, aiming to prioritize his mental well-being. In an interview with Graham Besinger, Cameron revealed that this move was a long-held promise to his wife, Suzy Amis Cameron.

Reasons Behind the Move

The 71-year-old director first visited New Zealand in 1994 and fell in love with its landscapes and lifestyle. During his conversation, Cameron stated, “Now, later, we have children, we have a family… but we did say after Avatar, let’s make this happen.” The couple has three daughters: Claire, 23, Quinn, 21, and Elizabeth, 18. Cameron also shares a daughter, Josephine, 31, with his ex-wife, actress Linda Hamilton.

According to Cameron, the COVID-19 pandemic played a crucial role in their relocation. He noted how New Zealand’s effective response to the virus contrasted sharply with the situation in the United States. “New Zealand had eliminated the virus completely,” he explained, highlighting the country’s robust vaccination rate of 98%. In comparison, he pointed out that the U.S. vaccination rate stood at only 62% and was declining.

The Appeal of New Zealand

During the interview, Cameron expressed his preference for living in a country that “believes in science” and fosters a more cohesive society. He emphasized the importance of a calm environment compared to the polarized atmosphere he associates with America. “I’m not there for scenery, I’m there for the sanity,” he added.

Civic and Personal Changes

Cameron officially became a New Zealand citizen in August, confirming his commitment to the nation. He aims to make his dairy farm in South Wairarapa the family’s primary residence. Cameron purchased this 1,000-hectare farm in 2012.

In previous statements, he had openly criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, describing it as “horrifying” and a reason for his move. He articulated a desire to escape the consistent exposure to U.S. politics, stating he preferred the New Zealand media’s more measured coverage of similar stories.

Celebrity Relocation Trends

• Other celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres and Rosie O’Donnell have also moved abroad since Trump’s presidency.
• DeGeneres left for the U.K. citing similar reasons, while O’Donnell relocated to Ireland.

On a personal note, Cameron prefers the more peaceful atmosphere of New Zealand for both himself and his family. He sees it as an ideal environment for raising his daughters away from the complexities of U.S. politics and societal polarization.