James 'Avatar' Cameron to live in Wairarapa

Wairarapa will soon be home to another Hollywood director, after James Cameron bought two farms in the district.

The Avatar, Titanic and Terminator director plans to live on the South Wairarapa properties with his family.

Land Information New Zealand documents show sales have been approved by the Overseas Investment Office for two blocks of property, of 817 hectares and 248 hectares, at Western Lake Rd.

The land was sold for an undisclosed amount to Anglin Classics, a firm owned by Cameron.

In a statement released yesterday the Cameron family said they were "thrilled to be making a new home in New Zealand".

"We love the rugged landscape and the spirit of the people here, and are looking forward to becoming resident on our beautiful farm.

"We hope we will be accepted as good neighbours and good members of the community in South Wairarapa."

Cameron intends to reside indefinitely in New Zealand, according to his purchase application, and will live with his family at the South Wairarapa property, which he will work as a farm.

Cameron joins a growing list of Hollywood heavyweights who call Wairarapa home.

Sir Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, who together helped create the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, live in a multi-million dollar estate on the outskirts of Masterton. And filmmaker, author and artist Vincent Ward owns a home in Greytown.

Ward said he had never met Cameron but had worked on special effects for the film Titanic at Digital Domain, a Los Angeles company owned by the Canadian director.

"I know Western Lake Road well - I used to party there as a teenager - and Mr Cameron is sure to find it cold, especially after spending all that time in California."

South Wairarapa farming couple Bill and Annette Shaw struck the deal for the larger Pounui farm overlooking Lake Onoke.

Mr Shaw yesterday said confidentially was a condition of sale.

"I don't have a clue who bought it and what they're going to do with it. I can't discuss it," Mr Shaw said.

He confirmed the purchasing company as Anglin Classics.

The Shaws, who originally founded the nearby Wharekauhau Lodge, owned by American billionaire William Foley, have been dividing their time between Queenstown and Pounui for the past 10 years.

He would not confirm the selling price or value of Pounui.

Heather and Rob McCreary sold the smaller lot to Anglin Classics in the same deal and Mrs McCreary yesterday declined to comment as well.

Tim Falloon, rural manager for Bayleys Wairarapa Real Estate, said he had handled the sale to Anglin Classics in a deal bound by a confidentiality agreement.

He could not reveal the purchase price for the mixed farming properties.

"But they're special properties - beautiful properties," he said.