Latest news with #ActiveInvestorPlus
The Spinoff
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Spinoff
Golden visas bring in big bucks as one-percenters look to NZ
The government is celebrating a $25 million boost from wealthy migrants, but questions remain about the visa's wider economic impact, writes Catherine McGregor in today's extract from The Bulletin. Big names, big money Immigration minister Erica Stanford is hailing the revamped Active Investor Plus visa as a major success, reports The Post's Thomas Manch, with more than $25 million already transferred and around $1 billion worth of applications in the pipeline. Launched on April 1, the updated scheme lowered the investment threshold, removed the English language requirement, and slashed in-country time obligations. Applicants under the new 'growth' category need to invest a minimum of $5 million in higher-risk assets over three years and spend just 21 days in New Zealand during that time. 'It's been so successful, and the people are amazing,' said Stanford, claiming some applicants are tech co-founders of 'very big, well-known companies that you would probably use every day'. The majority of applications have come from the United States, followed by China, Hong Kong and Germany. Not all capital is created equal It's certainly a tidy sum of money, but will it meaningfully grow the economy? Writing in Newsroom, Brent Burmester, a business lecturer at the University of Auckland, says passive capital injections into funds or existing businesses rarely drive widespread economic transformation. 'Wanting residency and having the capital to secure it is not a measure or indicator of future entrepreneurial breakthrough,' he argues. Instead, Burmester supports prioritising migrants with ambition, skills and drive over those with simply a big chequebook. 'The research is very clear on this: such immigrants grow an economy like ours and give established Kiwis a reason to stay. They typically demand less and deliver more. Not because they are wealthy, but because they are not. Yet.' A residence visa without residents? Under the new rules, investors may spend as little as a week a year in New Zealand, raising concerns about their long-term contributions to the local business environment. If they're hardly ever here, it seems doubtful that they can engage meaningfully with the companies their money supports or with the communities they're theoretically helping grow. Immigration lawyer Nick Mason tells Morning Report the requirement 'does seem very minimal' but in his experience, golden visa holders spend a lot longer in-country than they have to. RNZ's Liu Chen also reports that potential Chinese applicants have found their way into the country blocked due to their inability to use China's Qualified Domestic Institutional Investor (QDII) scheme, which is virtually the only pathway for individuals from China to transfer capital overseas. One immigration lawyer told Chen that excluding QDII effectively shuts off the golden visa to most Chinese investors, despite the government claiming the programme is 'country neutral'. Parent Boost visa raises equity concerns While wealthy investors are being courted, many migrant families are reacting to a more personal policy change. The new Parent Boost visa, announced on Sunday, will allow parents of citizens and residents to stay in New Zealand for up to 10 years. Though widely welcomed, community leaders warn it is largely out of reach for the working-class migrants who need it. 'For them, the Parent Boost Visa is a promise they cannot afford to fulfill,' writes Vineeta Rao in Indian Newslink. Applicants must meet high financial thresholds – $160,000 in savings for a single applicant with no other income, or $250,000 for a couple – that skew the visa in favour of migrants from wealthier countries. The result is a tiered system, Rao writes, that effectively '[sidelines] many Indian families, despite their cultural and emotional capability to support their parents here'.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
High-Profile Seminar at New Zealand High Commission Highlights Rising Demand for AIP Visa Pathway Among Global Investors
Greener Pastures New Zealand, ANZ Migrate, and St. James' Place host invite-only sessions in Singapore highlighting major policy reforms and residency opportunities SINGAPORE, June 11, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A high-profile seminar titled "From Investment to Residency: New Zealand's Active Investor Plus Visa" was held today in Singapore, bringing together high-net-worth individuals exploring residency through New Zealand's Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa program. The exclusive, invite-only event was delivered by Greener Pastures New Zealand, ANZ Migrate, and St. James' Place, the three firms at the forefront of investment migration and wealth advisory. The strong turnout underscored growing regional interest in the AIP program, particularly from individuals and families already based in Singapore and broader Southeast Asia. It comes amid surging global interest in the AIP program following recent government reforms. Held in two sessions at 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., the seminar drew family offices, wealth managers, and prospective investor migrants from across the region. Attendees heard from Dominic Jones and Mischa Mannix-Opie of Greener Pastures, James Hall of ANZ Migrate, and Jamie Burgmann of St. James' Place. The speakers provided expert insights into New Zealand, the evolving immigration policies, and the opportunity for long-term lifestyle and investment alignment. "This is a moment of transformation for New Zealand's investor migration program," said Dominic Jones, Managing Director of Greener Pastures New Zealand. "With the government streamlining requirements and sharpening its focus on active investment, global investors, especially those across Asia are responding with confidence and urgency in pursuit of long-term residency." The seminar follows the New Zealand government's April 2025 reforms to the AIP visa, which created two distinct pathways: a Growth Category for NZD 5 million in direct investments over three years with only 21 days required in-country, and a Balanced Category for NZD 10 million spread across approved asset classes over five years with a 105-day stay requirement. These changes eliminated English language testing and reduced residency thresholds, making the program more competitive on the global stage. "This isn't just about immigration. It's about contributing to New Zealand's future in a meaningful way," said Mischa Mannix-Opie, Director of Client Experience at Greener Pastures. "We're seeing interest from Americans, people from across Southeast Asia including Chinese nationals, and those from across Europe, all seeking the combination of security, stability, and opportunity that New Zealand offers." Attendees received an overview of the AIP application process, compliance considerations, and investment structures, particularly government-approved funds that meet visa criteria. The event also emphasized the role of personalized lifestyle services in helping families transition seamlessly into New Zealand life, from real estate to education. As interest builds across Asia, Greener Pastures New Zealand will continue to engage directly with investors in key financial hubs, supporting clients through every stage of the application, relocation, and investment process. For more information on Greener Pastures New Zealand, please visit About Greener Pastures New Zealand Greener Pastures New Zealand is a premier investment and lifestyle advisory firm specializing in facilitating high-net-worth investor residency through New Zealand's Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa program. As a subsidiary of Origin Capital Partners, the firm provides tailored investment products and lifestyle transition support, ensuring a smooth relocation process for high-net-worth investors. Its government-approved Diversified Fund meets AIP visa criteria, while its tailored lifestyle services ensure a smooth transition, from real estate and education to local expertise. Led by Managing Director Dominic Jones and Board Chairman Simon Botherway, Greener Pastures helps global investors build secure, sustainable futures in one of the world's most desirable destinations. Learn more at View source version on Contacts Stephen FrancyRubenstein PR212-805-3017sfrancy@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
11-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
High-Profile Seminar at New Zealand High Commission Highlights Rising Demand for AIP Visa Pathway Among Global Investors
SINGAPORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A high-profile seminar titled ' From Investment to Residency: New Zealand's Active Investor Plus Visa ' was held today in Singapore, bringing together high-net-worth individuals exploring residency through New Zealand's Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa program. The exclusive, invite-only event was delivered by Greener Pastures New Zealand, ANZ Migrate, and St. James' Place, the three firms at the forefront of investment migration and wealth advisory. The strong turnout underscored growing regional interest in the AIP program, particularly from individuals and families already based in Singapore and broader Southeast Asia. It comes amid surging global interest in the AIP program following recent government reforms. Held in two sessions at 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., the seminar drew family offices, wealth managers, and prospective investor migrants from across the region. Attendees heard from Dominic Jones and Mischa Mannix-Opie of Greener Pastures, James Hall of ANZ Migrate, and Jamie Burgmann of St. James' Place. The speakers provided expert insights into New Zealand, the evolving immigration policies, and the opportunity for long-term lifestyle and investment alignment. 'This is a moment of transformation for New Zealand's investor migration program,' said Dominic Jones, Managing Director of Greener Pastures New Zealand. 'With the government streamlining requirements and sharpening its focus on active investment, global investors, especially those across Asia are responding with confidence and urgency in pursuit of long-term residency.' The seminar follows the New Zealand government's April 2025 reforms to the AIP visa, which created two distinct pathways: a Growth Category for NZD 5 million in direct investments over three years with only 21 days required in-country, and a Balanced Category for NZD 10 million spread across approved asset classes over five years with a 105-day stay requirement. These changes eliminated English language testing and reduced residency thresholds, making the program more competitive on the global stage. 'This isn't just about immigration. It's about contributing to New Zealand's future in a meaningful way,' said Mischa Mannix-Opie, Director of Client Experience at Greener Pastures. 'We're seeing interest from Americans, people from across Southeast Asia including Chinese nationals, and those from across Europe, all seeking the combination of security, stability, and opportunity that New Zealand offers.' Attendees received an overview of the AIP application process, compliance considerations, and investment structures, particularly government-approved funds that meet visa criteria. The event also emphasized the role of personalized lifestyle services in helping families transition seamlessly into New Zealand life, from real estate to education. As interest builds across Asia, Greener Pastures New Zealand will continue to engage directly with investors in key financial hubs, supporting clients through every stage of the application, relocation, and investment process. For more information on Greener Pastures New Zealand, please visit About Greener Pastures New Zealand Greener Pastures New Zealand is a premier investment and lifestyle advisory firm specializing in facilitating high-net-worth investor residency through New Zealand's Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa program. As a subsidiary of Origin Capital Partners, the firm provides tailored investment products and lifestyle transition support, ensuring a smooth relocation process for high-net-worth investors. Its government-approved Diversified Fund meets AIP visa criteria, while its tailored lifestyle services ensure a smooth transition, from real estate and education to local expertise. Led by Managing Director Dominic Jones and Board Chairman Simon Botherway, Greener Pastures helps global investors build secure, sustainable futures in one of the world's most desirable destinations. Learn more at
Business Wire
28-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Greener Pastures Applauds Milestone as Active Investor Plus Program Surpasses 100 Applicants and $600 Million in Capital Commitments
AUCKLAND, New Zealand--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Greener Pastures New Zealand, a premier investment and lifestyle advisory firm specializing in facilitating high-net-worth investor residency through New Zealand's Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa program, today celebrated a major milestone in the country's revamped Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa program. The program has now received over 100 formal applications, representing an estimated NZD $600 million in committed capital to be deployed across New Zealand's private sector. In a promising signal for New Zealand's innovation-driven economy, 80% of these applicants selected the growth investment category, which prioritizes direct investment into New Zealand-managed funds and operating businesses. 'As one of the pioneering firms supporting clients through the AIP process, we have witnessed this first hand with our various meetings with clients around the world,' said Dominic Jones, Managing Director of Greener Pastures New Zealand. 'It reflects not only strong international interest in New Zealand as a destination for strategic investment and lifestyle, but also the government's success in aligning immigration policy with long-term economic development.' Greener Pastures operates the Greener Pastures Diversified Fund, an approved investment vehicle under the AIP program. The firm provides end-to-end advisory for global investors pursuing residency in New Zealand, including investment management, relocation support, and strategic introductions across New Zealand's business and lifestyle ecosystems. The program's success to date is the result of coordinated efforts by Invest New Zealand, Immigration New Zealand, and private sector partners working across borders to attract high-quality investors and activate capital that will fuel job creation, innovation, and sustainable growth across the country. Invest New Zealand General Manager, Benny Goodman says the recent changes to the Active Investor Plus Visa have made it even easier to invest in New Zealand. 'New Zealand has a vibrant eco-system of investment opportunities – from growth companies through to more established entities, projects and funds. The Active Investor Plus Visa pathway makes it easy for investors to connect with these opportunities and gain permanent residence in New Zealand.' For more information on Greener Pastures New Zealand, please visit About Greener Pastures New Zealand Greener Pastures New Zealand is a premier investment and lifestyle advisory firm specializing in facilitating high-net-worth investor residency through New Zealand's Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa program. As a subsidiary of Origin Capital Partners, the firm provides tailored investment products and lifestyle transition support, ensuring a smooth relocation process for high-net-worth investors. Its government-approved Diversified Fund meets AIP visa criteria, while its tailored lifestyle services ensure a smooth transition, from real estate and education to local expertise. Led by Managing Director Dominic Jones and Board Chairman Simon Botherway, Greener Pastures helps global investors build secure, sustainable futures in one of the world's most desirable destinations. Learn more at
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Greener Pastures Applauds Milestone as Active Investor Plus Program Surpasses 100 Applicants and $600 Million in Capital Commitments
80% of investors choose growth category, channeling capital into New Zealand's innovation economy AUCKLAND, New Zealand, May 28, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Greener Pastures New Zealand, a premier investment and lifestyle advisory firm specializing in facilitating high-net-worth investor residency through New Zealand's Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa program, today celebrated a major milestone in the country's revamped Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa program. The program has now received over 100 formal applications, representing an estimated NZD $600 million in committed capital to be deployed across New Zealand's private sector. In a promising signal for New Zealand's innovation-driven economy, 80% of these applicants selected the growth investment category, which prioritizes direct investment into New Zealand-managed funds and operating businesses. "As one of the pioneering firms supporting clients through the AIP process, we have witnessed this first hand with our various meetings with clients around the world," said Dominic Jones, Managing Director of Greener Pastures New Zealand. "It reflects not only strong international interest in New Zealand as a destination for strategic investment and lifestyle, but also the government's success in aligning immigration policy with long-term economic development." Greener Pastures operates the Greener Pastures Diversified Fund, an approved investment vehicle under the AIP program. The firm provides end-to-end advisory for global investors pursuing residency in New Zealand, including investment management, relocation support, and strategic introductions across New Zealand's business and lifestyle ecosystems. The program's success to date is the result of coordinated efforts by Invest New Zealand, Immigration New Zealand, and private sector partners working across borders to attract high-quality investors and activate capital that will fuel job creation, innovation, and sustainable growth across the country. Invest New Zealand General Manager, Benny Goodman says the recent changes to the Active Investor Plus Visa have made it even easier to invest in New Zealand. "New Zealand has a vibrant eco-system of investment opportunities – from growth companies through to more established entities, projects and funds. The Active Investor Plus Visa pathway makes it easy for investors to connect with these opportunities and gain permanent residence in New Zealand." For more information on Greener Pastures New Zealand, please visit About Greener Pastures New Zealand Greener Pastures New Zealand is a premier investment and lifestyle advisory firm specializing in facilitating high-net-worth investor residency through New Zealand's Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa program. As a subsidiary of Origin Capital Partners, the firm provides tailored investment products and lifestyle transition support, ensuring a smooth relocation process for high-net-worth investors. Its government-approved Diversified Fund meets AIP visa criteria, while its tailored lifestyle services ensure a smooth transition, from real estate and education to local expertise. Led by Managing Director Dominic Jones and Board Chairman Simon Botherway, Greener Pastures helps global investors build secure, sustainable futures in one of the world's most desirable destinations. Learn more at View source version on Contacts Stephen FrancyRubenstein PR212-805-3017sfrancy@ Sign in to access your portfolio
