James Cameron, 71, says his move to New Zealand was tied to the country's competence in conquering COVID-19
Share this @internewscast.com

Acclaimed filmmaker James Cameron recently shared that his decision to relocate to New Zealand was largely influenced by the country’s adept handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an interview on “In Depth with Graham Bensinger,” the 71-year-old director, originally from Ontario, Canada, expressed that New Zealand’s effective response to the pandemic made it appear far more stable than the United States.

The Oscar-winning director posed a rhetorical question, asking, “Where would you prefer to live? In a place that values science, operates with sanity, and where people unite towards a common goal, or in a nation where there’s intense polarization, disregard for science, and potential chaos if another pandemic were to emerge?”

Cameron, known for directing iconic films like “Titanic,” “The Terminator,” “Avatar,” and “Aliens,” praised New Zealand for its success in eradicating the virus twice before a mutated strain eventually breached their defenses.

During the discussion, Cameron highlighted that when New Zealand faced the new, more dangerous strain of the virus, the country had already achieved a vaccination rate of 98%, significantly outperforming the United States by over 36%.

In the interview, Cameron said that by the time dangerous strain of coronavirus had spread across New Zealand, the population ‘already had a 98 percent vaccination rate’ – more than 36 percent higher than in the states.

James Cameron, 71, says his move to New Zealand was tied to the country's competence in conquering COVID-19

James Cameron, 71, says his move to New Zealand was tied to the country’s competence in conquering COVID-19 

‘This is why I love New Zealand,’ Cameron said. ‘People there are, for the most part, sane as opposed to the United States where you had a 62 percent vaccination rate, and that’s going down – going the wrong direction.’

At one point in the exchange, Bensinger called the U.S. ‘a fantastic place to live’ to which Cameron asked, ‘Is it?’

When Bensinger referenced the stunning nature in New Zealand, Cameron responded, ‘I’m not there for scenery; I’m there for the sanity.’

Cameron said that he initially flirted with the idea of moving to New Zealand in 1994 after a visit left him enchanted with the nation and its populace, who he ‘just really fell in love with.’

Said Cameron: ‘I made myself a promise – “I’m going to come live here someday.”‘

Cameron said that he and his spouse Suzy, 64, had past explored the topic and she had always been amenable to the idea of moving.

‘When Suzy and I were first getting serious, she said, “Fine, no problem” – she was game,’ Cameron said.

Cameron said that while he and his spouse owned properties in Southern California, they always kept an eye on New Zealand, and finally went ahead with the plan after Avatar’s release.

Join the debate

Has America lost its sense of unity and science, or is James Cameron just out of touch?

The Oscar-winner described the current US as 'a place where everybody's at each other's throats, extremely polarized, turning its back on science'

The Oscar-winner described the current US as ‘a place where everybody’s at each other’s throats, extremely polarized, turning its back on science’

President Donald Trump pictured at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

President Donald Trump pictured at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Said the filmmaker: ‘Now, later, we have children, we have a family, we’ve got roots in Malibu and Santa Barbara, that conversation had to be amended slightly, but we did say after Avatar, “Let’s make this happen.”‘

An admittedly ‘frustrated’ Cameron last month slammed Trump and his administration for its environmental policies.

Cameron called the president ‘most narcissistic a**hole in history since f***ing Nero,’ adding, ‘Yeah, you can quote that.’

Cameron told The Hollywood Reporter, ‘I’m frustrated because the human race seems to be delusional about what they think is going to happen next. 

‘We are going backwards.’

Cameron last year said he found Trump’s re-election in 2024 to be ‘a turn away from everything decent’ while appearing on he F#$%ing News with Paddy Gower podcast. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Coalition splits again after Nationals leader rules future 'untenable'

Coalition Faces Another Division as Nationals Leader Declares Future ‘Untenable

The Coalition has experienced yet another fracture, marking the second significant split…

Trump’s $1.5 Billion Board of Peace Faces Scrutiny: Potential Irreparable Threats Unveiled

A Donald Trump-led organisation that seeks to facilitate peace in the Middle…

Australia Unites: National Day of Mourning Honors Bondi Terror Attack Victims

The 15 victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack are being remembered…
Harry Brook admitted he feared being sacked as England's white ball captain after an altercation with a bouncer in New Zealand back in October

Harry Brook Vows to Fans After Receiving ‘Final Warning’ Following Nightclub Altercation as England’s White-Ball Captain

Harry Brook has confessed that he worried about losing his role as…
Australian tourist Sonny Worrall (pictured) feared for his life as he dived away from a tumbling caravan during a horrific landslide on New Zealand's North Island

Australian Tourist Shares Harrowing Escape from Mount Maunganui Landslide Amid Ongoing Rescue Efforts

An Australian visitor found himself diving into a swimming pool to dodge…
Opposition leader Sussan Ley during Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra on Monday 24 November 2025.

Ley Faces Uncertain Future Following Second Coalition Rift This Year

Less than a year into her reign, the federal Liberal Party’s first-ever…

Tragedy Strikes New Zealand: Families and Children Missing in Devastating Holiday Park Landslip

In the aftermath of severe rainfall, a landslide at a New Zealand…
Trump makes major Greenland U-turn, but continues threats over island

Trump Reverses Stance on Greenland Acquisition, Yet Maintains Assertive Rhetoric

President Donald Trump recently made headlines with his remarks about Greenland, emphasizing…
'That promise was broken': PM apologises over Bondi terror attack

PM Issues Heartfelt Apology Over Broken Promise After Bondi Terror Attack

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has directly apologised to the Jewish community for…

Unbelievable Ocean Rescue: Cars Salvaged from Depths After Devastating Flash Floods

A Black Hawk helicopter has successfully retrieved 14 vehicles that were swept…
Combative Prince Harry disputes having 'leaky' social circle in Mail trial

Prince Harry Challenges Allegations of ‘Leaky’ Social Circle in Mail Court Proceedings

Prince Harry adopted a defiant stance while testifying in his legal battle…
Dion Prestia Richmond Steven Mays Melbourne AFL

AFL Premiership Stars Demand Dismissal of Controversial Fight Charges

Two prominent AFL premiership players have found themselves at the center of…