Cameron's NZ move under fire

Email
Print

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 6:04p.m.

Cameron is a passionate environmentalist (AAP)

Cameron is a passionate environmentalist (AAP)

By Patrick Gower

One of Hollywood’s most successful movie makers, James Cameron, is moving to New Zealand with his family.

The Avatar director has bought a dairy farm in the Wairarapa, where fellow director Peter Jackson also has a property.

Labour and New Zealand First aren’t happy at the decision to let him buy the land, but Prime Minister John Key says “blocking land sales will stop good people coming into this country” and Cameron should be made to feel welcome.

“People who come from overseas often bring with them a huge amount of capital, skills, and a passion for New Zealand,” Mr Key says.

“That’s why it’s not a one way street when it comes to foreign investment.”

Cameron’s purchase of two farms south of Featherston was approved by the Overseas Investment Office, and the director says he and his family will live here “indefinitely”.

A committed environmentalist who likes to live off solar power, Cameron has purchased a working dairy farm as part of his property.

Opposition leaders say this should have stayed in Kiwi hands, with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters saying Mr Key is “happy to suck up” to Hollywood celebrities.

“What does [Cameron] know about milking cows? What does he know about animal husbandry?” Mr Peters asked.

So if Cameron ever thought this would be a quiet getaway from Hollywood, he may have to think again.

3 News

Become a fan of 3 News on Facebook and on Twitter.

Post a Comment

Before commenting, please take the time to read our moderation guide


(Won't be published)



Comments

19 Feb 2012 07:52p.m.

Deano wrote:

I do believe the purchase is based on a materialistic view and not business sense at all, as I had a colleague that also wanted to purchase one of the farms but for 50% of the price that Cameron paid. Again another celebrity in the door, and raises the capital value, just like the Twain’s. Its is greed he could have been comfortable with only one, or for that matter half the size, again the OI act needs to change for lease only clause until the vender becomes a New Zealand RESIDENT & New Zealand Citizen the reason why I say resident is for tax purposes.

09 Feb 2012 06:13p.m.

TWE wrote:

Cameron isn't a real environmentalist, just one of those hypocritical "do what I say don't do what I do" types. I'd rather the tosser stay in Canada..

03 Feb 2012 01:37p.m.

LBV wrote:

I think that first he should have become a NZ citizen before he bought the land. That would prove that he is here to stay. However I do think that the sale to Cameron is different to the Crafer land deal. He at least wants to stay, rather than the Crafer land deal when all they want to do is buy the land and take the money out of NZ. I would love to buy a farm and be completely self sufficient - however I would never be able to get the loan to do it.

02 Feb 2012 05:34p.m.

CSM wrote:

We MUST welcome James Cameron. He is coming here to direct Avator2 and employ 1000s of NZers and pour $millions into our economy. Beyond that my guess is even more films directed or produced by him using facilities in NZ that means more even more jobs, more money... Why wouldn't we welcome him. What is wrong with these (Labour and Winston Peter) politicians. Grrr.

02 Feb 2012 01:26p.m.

Sal wrote:

Cameron should enjoy New Zealand. According to this years list, NZ enjoys more economic freedom that the USA. Someday possibly he will return when Mr Obama is history and economy freedom is on the rise. Until then, he will enjoy the most beautiful country I have visited.....especially the South Island. Someone please buy him a Speights.

02 Feb 2012 01:11p.m.

Robo wrote:

I hope everyone in New Zealand knows that we ugly Americans love you and your country. Our government may be a bunch of creeps (what government isn't!) but please know that we look at New Zealand as a wonderful place with great people.

I too have a dream of moving to New Zealand to live "indefinitely" but unfortunately haven't made any movies as successful as he has. Go All Blacks!

02 Feb 2012 10:44a.m.

johnmillan wrote:

What is wrong with Cameron buying farms here?Nothing. But when Key goes and opens the doors for foreign investors we should be told before hand,as did any one know about these farms being up for sale??Key spends a lot of time overseas jacking up rich mates to come here,as NZ is becoming a rich mans land,that is why we are so much in debt,and people are going into poverty just because those rich who come here want there fare share of the cream.This was approved by the overseas investment office,That I would guess Key had already given notice of Camerons intentions.

02 Feb 2012 10:44a.m.

johnmillan wrote:

What is wrong with Cameron buying farms here?Nothing. But when Key goes and opens the doors for foreign investors we should be told before hand,as did any one know about these farms being up for sale??Key spends a lot of time overseas jacking up rich mates to come here,as NZ is becoming a rich mans land,that is why we are so much in debt,and people are going into poverty just because those rich who come here want there fare share of the cream.This was approved by the overseas investment office,That I would guess Key had already given notice of Camerons intentions.

02 Feb 2012 09:49a.m.

eve wrote:

I am getting sick and tired of these politictions kicking up a stink when it is something simple as buying a property, us Kiwis can buy houses and land over seas to live on but when someone wants to buy land here all hell breaks loose. People like Winston Peters should be concentrating on things more important like the poverty in the country. I think the polititians need to have their wages reduced until they start thinking like a serious person instead of a greedy polititan.

02 Feb 2012 07:51a.m.

Toby wrote:

I hope it does block people coming into this country! Those of us who live here working low-paid jobs -- like making the food you eat and providing other ESSENTIAL services -- cannot afford to compete with offshore money. Start looking after Kiwis!