New Zealand is seeing a flood of high-value interest from wealthy migrants under the revamped Active Investor Plus visa.

Since the changes kicked in on 1 April, Immigration New Zealand has received 189 applications, surpassing the total from the past two and a half years under the old system.

So far, 100 of those have been approved in principle, with seven already investing a total of $45 million.

Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis says the applications represent a potential $845 million of new investment in Kiwi businesses.

She credits New Zealand’s growing reputation as a “safe, pro-business, high-potential economy.”

The new visa now includes two simple paths—Growth and Balanced—and removes hurdles like the English language requirement.

It also broadens what types of investments qualify.

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says it’s a clear signal that “New Zealand is open for business,” noting strong investor interest particularly from Asia and North America.

For the Hibiscus Coast and other communities, the boost in business capital could have long-term flow-on effects—more jobs, more growth, and potentially more entrepreneurial talent in the regions.

“These investors bring not just money, but knowledge and experience,” Willis says. “That’s what drives long-term growth.”

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