28 April 2006

Auckland ramps up new investment drive

Auckland has reinforced its desire to become the premier destination for new investors in New Zealand with the establishment of AucklandPlus - the region’s new investment agency.

AucklandPlus, an independent business unit of the Auckland Regional Council, aims to promote Auckland's business and investment opportunities worldwide.

The agency hopes to target potential new migrants looking to invest in or start new businesses in the region, and Michael Barnett, Chairman of the Auckland Regional Economic Development Forum and the AucklandPlus Board, believes Auckland has plenty of plus points in its favour.

“We have an enviable mix of diverse and high-quality business opportunities, people-talent and a wonderful lifestyle. AucklandPlus represents all these elements – it’s our regional face to the world,” he said.

The Auckland region was recently judged the fifth best place to live on the planet by the Mercer quality of life index, ahead of Melbourne and Sydney, while according to the World Bank, the region rates first in the world for ease of doing business and protecting investors.

“We’ve got a strong dedicated team and a great region to promote,” says AucklandPlus Group Manager, Clyde Rogers.

AucklandPlus continues the work of the Auckland Regional Council’s economic development unit set up in July 2005 to implement the Auckland Regional Economic Development Strategy. The strategy was developed in partnership with central and local government, and Auckland’s communities and businesses, to improve the region’s economic performance. AucklandPlus plans to launch on May 4th.

The New Zealand Business Visa category is aimed at easing the passage of potential investors into the country, and business categories under this policy can be either for permanent residence, or temporary entry with the option to lead to residence after several years working in New Zealand.

Click here for the Visa Bureau's no obligation Online Assessment for Business Visa's for New Zealand to see if you qualify for residence in New Zealand as a business owner, investor or entrepreneur.