21 November 2002

Media Release

Minister Agrees To Review Immigration Benefits

The Minister of Immigration Hon Lianne Dalziel has agreed to review the new immigration policy to ensure that NZ gets full advantage of funds that are being captured through the long-term investor programme.

Michael Barnett, Chief Executive of the Auckland Regional Chamber of Commerce & Industry, was speaking after meeting with the Minister this morning in respect of immigration issues affecting the business community.

“I came away fully confident that the Minister’s intention is not to stifle incoming investment prospects. Quite the contrary, I believe the Minister supports finding ways to ensure funds that are being captured through long-term investment programmes are not simply deposited in bank accounts or recycled offshore, but used to advantage NZ’s productivity improvement” said Mr Barnett.

“My understanding from my meeting with the Minister is that the focus of the changes coming in have been to ensure migrants settle well for their benefit and the benefit of NZ”, said Mr Barnett.

Mr Barnett confirmed that the Minister had agreed to review the new policy and take advice from the business community and had invited the Auckland Regional Chamber of Commerce to participate in that review.

ENDS

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