Academy Award-winning film director James Cameron has announced the impending finalization of his New Zealand citizenship, which he describes as “imminent.” The celebrated director, known for blockbuster films like Titanic and Avatar, is hinting at plans to relocate to the country permanently, largely as a response to Donald Trump’s second term as President of the United States.
Cameron, who was born in Kapuskasing, Ontario, Canada, and has been residing on his 1,000-hectare dairy farm in South Wairarapa since 2012, shared his intentions with New Zealand news outlet Stuff. He aims to make this farm his family’s primary residence. Cameron has also built close professional ties with New Zealand, having collaborated with Wellington-based visual effects studio Weta Visual on Avatar, which won an Oscar for its groundbreaking effects.
According to the Guardian, Cameron has often expressed his desire to live more permanently in New Zealand. His discontent with Trump’s presidency has fueled this decision. He described watching Trump’s administration as “horrifying” and “like watching a car crash over and over again.” Cameron elaborated, “I see it as a turn away from everything decent,” expressing his belief, “America doesn’t stand for anything if it doesn’t stand for what it has historically stood for.”
The director goes on to criticize the current political climate, accusing Trump’s administration of hollowing out the meanings of American values for personal benefit. Cameron stated, “It becomes a hollow idea, and I think they’re hollowing it out as fast as they can for their own benefit.”
Reflecting on his choice to move to New Zealand, Cameron mentioned not necessarily feeling safer there compared to the U.S. but relished the difference in media coverage. “There’s something nice about the New Zealand outlets — at least they’ll put it on page three,” he noted, explaining his reluctance to see Trump’s face on the front page every day. “I just don’t want to see him anymore; it’s sickening.”
Cameron’s commitment to his new home has been bolstered by his belief in the necessity of earning one’s standing within a country. He remarked, “If you’re going to uproot your family and move somewhere, you have to invest, you have to be part of it, you have to earn standing.” The 2023 New Zealand citizenship, he emphasized, was something he had worked hard for and sacrificed to achieve.
He appreciates the cultural similarities between New Zealanders and Canadians, stating, “I grew up in Canada, and I see a lot of similarities here in the way people behave.” Cameron finds New Zealand’s culture more aligned with what he values—“an innate respect and demand for respect,” which he wishes for his children to experience as well.
Social media has erupted with reactions to Cameron’s move. Some users expressed solidarity with him saying, “If filmmakers focused on storytelling and craft as much as they do on Donald Trump, movies might still be watchable.” Others reflected similar sentiments, with comments such as, “I feel you James. If I had his money I’d do the same. This country is a disaster.”
Despite his frustrations with American politics, Cameron has announced plans for his future work, stating he intends to produce all his upcoming projects in New Zealand, aiming to hire local talent and contribute positively to the nation’s film industry. “I love working here. I love the people who I get to work with here,” he said, expressing his enthusiasm for creating cinema within the scenic landscapes of New Zealand.
Currently, Cameron is focused on post-production for Avatar: Fire and Ash, set to release on December 19, 2025. He has hinted at two more sequels on the horizon, with parts of these projects already filmed, signifying his commitment to continuing his cinematic legacy on New Zealand soil.
While he may be moving forward with exciting new ventures, Cameron's criticisms of Trump's leadership and his desire for cultural respect continue to resonate, marking his transition to life as not just a filmmaker but as someone who is deeply engaged with his new home. His story serves as both inspiration and reflection on the state of American values as seen through the lens of one of its most successful directors.