James Cameron is a titanic opportunity for farming

With James Cameron stating to the Overseas Investment Office (OIO) that he not only intends to make New Zealand home, but that he intends to farm the two properties he has purchased, Federated Farmers believes it unlocks a titanic opportunity.

“This successful application by Mr Cameron shows why Federated Farmers position on overseas investment, is that the rules we have must be applied without fear or favour,” says Bruce Wills, Federated Farmers President.

“The hope we have from skilled immigration is that it betters the whole community.

“One example of what I mean is Federated Farmers Board member, Anders Crofoot, who was a past Wairarapa provincial president. Anders and his family moved from the United States to take over Castlepoint Station in the Wairarapa.

“They may have started out as overseas applicants like the Cameron family, but the Crofoot’s are now Kiwis and very much part of community.

“Anders is also the Castlepoint fire chief and after getting up at 4am this morning, he is still out on scene after a major forestry fire.

“It’s why I am encouraged that Mr Cameron’s OIO application states that they are going to farm the land they’ve purchased. Like Anders, Federated Farmers Wairarapa would be pleased to have them as members.

“There’s much we’ll be able to do in helping them settle into the Wairarapa and into farming.

“I also think the global attention this will bring to New Zealand farming, especially to sheep and beef, will be extremely positive,” Mr Wills concluded.