Latest news with #ActiveInvestorPlusVisa
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
Economic Times
23-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
New Zealand sees surge in golden visa applications following policy reforms, wealthy Americans lead the way
New Zealand has experienced a significant increase in applications for its "golden visa" program, officially known as the Active Investor Plus Visa, after implementing policy changes aimed at attracting foreign investment. In the six weeks since the revised rules took effect in April 2025, 65 new applications have been submitted, with the majority originating from the United States, as per a report by Financial Times. The updated visa program reduced the minimum investment requirement to NZ$5 million (approximately US$3 million) and eliminated the English language proficiency requirement. Additionally, the residency obligation was decreased from three years to just 21 days. The application processing time has also been shortened, averaging 11 days. According to the report by Financial Times, of the new applications, 55 are from US citizens, followed by 15 from Hong Kong and 12 from China. This influx represents a minimum capital inflow of NZ$620 million. Stuart Nash, a former immigration minister and co-founder of relocation consultancy Nash Kelly Global, attributed the surge to political factors in the United States. He stated to the Financial Times, "It's the main driver. Many of the people applying are of a different political persuasion to President Trump." (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) The policy changes are part of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's strategy to stimulate New Zealand's economy by attracting foreign investment. The government is also considering further easing restrictions on foreign property purchases, although such measures face opposition within the coalition. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford commented on the increased interest, stating that the numbers indicate New Zealand is "open for business."The revamped visa program contrasts with the previous government's stricter approach, which had tightened investment visa rules in 2018 following controversies over the granting of citizenship to wealthy foreigners.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
New Zealand sees surge in golden visa applications following policy reforms, wealthy Americans lead the way
New Zealand has experienced a significant increase in applications for its " golden visa " program, officially known as the Active Investor Plus Visa , after implementing policy changes aimed at attracting foreign investment. In the six weeks since the revised rules took effect in April 2025, 65 new applications have been submitted, with the majority originating from the United States, as per a report by Financial Times. The updated visa program reduced the minimum investment requirement to NZ$5 million (approximately US$3 million) and eliminated the English language proficiency requirement. Additionally, the residency obligation was decreased from three years to just 21 days. The application processing time has also been shortened, averaging 11 days. According to the report by Financial Times, of the new applications, 55 are from US citizens, followed by 15 from Hong Kong and 12 from China . This influx represents a minimum capital inflow of NZ$620 million. Stuart Nash, a former immigration minister and co-founder of relocation consultancy Nash Kelly Global, attributed the surge to political factors in the United States. He stated to the Financial Times, "It's the main driver. Many of the people applying are of a different political persuasion to President Trump." (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) The policy changes are part of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's strategy to stimulate New Zealand's economy by attracting foreign investment. The government is also considering further easing restrictions on foreign property purchases, although such measures face opposition within the coalition. Live Events RECOMMENDED STORIES FOR YOU New Zealand Finance Minister Nicola Willis' budget 2025 full speech: Trump's tariffs, slow growth, economic challenges Indian couple in New Zealand admit $2 million fraud on Ministry for Children New Zealand braces for severe weather, heavy winds, and thunderstorms expected Immigration Minister Erica Stanford commented on the increased interest, stating that the numbers indicate New Zealand is "open for business." The revamped visa program contrasts with the previous government's stricter approach, which had tightened investment visa rules in 2018 following controversies over the granting of citizenship to wealthy foreigners.
Scoop
16-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Luxury Home Rentals Surge As Wealthy North Americans Queue For NZ Investor Visas
A surge in wealthy North American investors anticipating changes to New Zealand's foreign buyer rules is fuelling a sharp rise in off-market luxury home rental demand, according to property experts. Real estate agent Caleb Paterson says the country is seeing increased interest from ultra-high-net-worth individuals, particularly from the United States and Canada, who are looking to secure short-term leases in multimillion-dollar homes, while they wait for clarity around new investor visa pathways and possible amendments to the foreign buyer ban. According to latest REINZ data, there is a growing glut of premium homes languishing on the market, with median days to sell in Auckland of properties valued at $3.5 million rising from 42 days in March 2024 to 64 days in March 2025 listings. In Queenstown, days to sell for luxury listings have climbed even higher, reaching 95. 'These are clients who could buy a home tomorrow if they were allowed,' says Paterson, founder of Paterson Luxury Real Estate. 'They're testing the waters, sometimes paying $20,000 to $30,000 a week to rent properties that fit their lifestyle and long-term ambitions.' Paterson says the dynamic is reshaping how vendors approach the luxury market, with many now embracing a 'try-before-you-buy' model as a way to attract offshore tenants and potentially convert them into future buyers. He says New Zealand Trade and Enterprise has reported a 700% increase in the number of people visiting the Active Investor Plus Visa application page, compared to the older version of the visa at the same time last year. Paterson says he was approached by a premium rental firm wanting to match investors with properties after being unable to meet demand. 'While there is a surplus of rental properties at the lower end of the market, high net worth individuals have very specific accommodation requirements, and there is not enough suitable rental stock in the traditional market. This unmet demand has led to the development of a hybrid model, which is injecting hundreds of thousands of dollars into the economy each week. 'Traditionally, these homes would be listed for sale and sit idle while owners waited for the right buyer. But with the market stagnating in recent months we're now seeing more owners open to short-term rental agreements, particularly as these international clients are happy to pay well above local market rates. 'We've got vendors who previously would never have considered renting their home now proactively asking us to place it with international clients for six to 12 months. If the foreign buyer ban is lifted, we expect many of these tenants will put in an immediate purchase offer on these homes,' he says. Paterson says the shift comes amid rising uncertainty in key offshore markets. He says many of his Canadian clients are seeking to exit due to proposed wealth taxes and capital gains reforms, while American buyers are increasingly motivated by political instability and upcoming elections. 'Some are saying they just don't want to live under another Trump presidency. Others have had New Zealand on their radar for a while and the current visa discussions have reignited that interest,' he says. Half of Paterson's current listings – which include homes valued between $8 million and $20 million – are now available for rent, and many are receiving multiple enquiries before even hitting the open market. 'The demand is there, but the ability to purchase still isn't and that's what is driving this surge in ultra-luxury rentals. 'We're also seeing foreign exchange rates playing a role – with the NZD falling to its lowest point against the greenback in the past decade early this month, it's extremely favourable for these buyers, so what looks expensive locally can actually feel like a bargain to someone arriving from California or Toronto,' he says. Paterson says some owners have seen rental returns more than triple what the domestic market would offer, particularly when facilitated through high-end rental agencies. He says while one home might fetch $2,000 a week in the traditional market, it could rent for $6,000–$7,000 through private arrangements with vetted international tenants. 'There's a lot of wealth sitting in our homes that isn't being unlocked because we've frozen out foreign investment. Opening a pathway for buyers at the $5 million-plus level could drive a major reinvestment cycle and ease pressure across the market,' says Paterson. Paterson believes now is the perfect time for the Government to remove the current uncertainty preventing downsizers from moving to the next stage in their life. 'We're coming into winter, which is typically a quiet time, and without clarity, we're seeing people sit on their hands. I've had Kiwi clients walk away from retirement village agreements because they can't sell their homes, and that's clogging up movement across every tier of the market. 'A typical high net worth downsizer will reinvest most of the proceeds from the sale of a $5m plus home in local businesses as they look to build their retirement incomes. 'Letting high-value buyers into the country not only stimulates the property sector it also brings in capital, supports tradespeople and helps unlock the next stage of the housing cycle. If this is done right there will be a transfer of wealth that benefits New Zealand down the track,' he says.
