New Immigration Investor Policies Unplugged

Press release issued by Richard Howard, Chairman of NZ Assocation of Migration and Investment and Managing Director of Pathways to New Zealand.

29th July, 2009 - The New Zealand Association for Migration and Investment (NZAMI) welcomes the announcement yesterday of the revised migrant investment policy and of the new Entrepreneur Plus policy. The NZAMI had written directly to the Prime Minister and all cabinet members in early February to promote the urgent and timely review of immigration policies that could deliver a range of immediate economic benefits, and this call was also taken up at the subsequent Job Summit.

It is pleasing to now see some progress in this area but much more can still be done, and we remain hopeful that the National Government will increasingly recognise the ability of well directed economically motivated immigration policies to achieve positive outcomes for New Zealand and New Zealanders. The joint announcement of the new policies by the Ministers of Immigration and Economic Development certainly signals a greater economic focus for at least part of New Zealand's immigration policies and this approach is welcomed by us.

It has been acknowledged by all parties that the current, and the immediately previous, migrant investor policies have not delivered the outcomes possible from this policy option.

To read the full article, please click here


Migrants satisfied with life in New Zealand, IMSED research shows

In May 2009, findings from the first wave of the Department of Labour's Longitudinal Immigration Survey: New Zealand [LisNZ] were released. 

The study will be completed over a total of 36 months, by conducting interviews with over 7000 migrants who have been granted permanent residence in New Zealand.  The first wave of interviews was conducted after migrants had spent 6 months in New Zealand, and subsequent interviews will be held after 18 months and 36 months of residence.

The LisNZ findings highlight some interesting migrant trends, in many cases supporting the professional advice Pathways to New Zealand has been providing migrants for the past 17 years.

More information...

Changes to the Long Term Skill Shortage List

Earlier this month, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) changed the policy associated with the Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL). The policy changes, which came into effect on the 2^nd July, included the removal of eight occupations from the LTSSL. 
 
For more information click here 


Poor advice costs migrants dearly

A press release issued by Richard Howard, Chairman of the NZ Association of Migration and Investment and Managing Director here at Pathways to New Zealand

10th July 2009 - The recent publicity about the difficulties migrant workers are encountering due to the changes in the New Zealand economy have raised a number of issues but much of the publicity and accompanying rhetoric misses the real point.

Any person who applies for any immigration requirement, or who is reliant upon maintaining their immigration status or progressing to New Zealand residence, should never underestimate the need for proper advice and planning. 
 

More information... 

Tax update reminders

New Migrant Tax Holiday Reminder

New migrants to New Zealand may be able to benefit from a "Tax Holiday" on foreign sourced income for a period of up to four years after they first become a tax resident in New Zealand.  This also applies to New Zealanders returning from overseas, who have been absent for 10 years or more.

Personal tax cuts

The New Zealand Government has passed legislation to implement its pre-election policy in respect of personal tax cuts. However, the Government has since signalled that further personal tax cuts are unlikely.

There are benefits for everyone across the salary spectrum.

For more information, click here

Information courtesy of John Adams at KPMG Hamilton, phone 647 858 6541 or email jadams1@kpmg.co.nz


New staff for Pathways to New Zealand

This month at Pathways to New Zealand we welcomed three new staff to our experienced and dependable team: Rachel Bowley, Adam Houppermans and Martin King. 

For more information on the team, click here

 

This page was last updated on 25 September 2009