Key announces incentives for immigrants to settle outside Auckland

See also: 'The dampest of damp squibs' - Twyford' Chinese gambit, National's regional migration ploy

Prime Minister John Key has announced immigration policy tweaks aimed at encouraging migrants to settle outside Auckland.

The government will also double the points for entrepreneurs planning to set up a business in the regions under the Entrepreneur Work Visa from 20 to 40 points — or a third of the total required for entry.

Additionally, from November 1, employers can find out faster whether New Zealanders are available to fill a particular vacancy, before they lodge a visa application with Immigration New Zealand by being able to contact Work and Income directly to check availability.

The government also intends to provide "a pathway to residence" for a limited number of long-term migrants on temporary work visas in the South Island.

It will consider a new "global impact visa" targeted at young, highly-talented and successful technology entrepreneurs and start-up teams, who want to be based in New Zealand, employ talented Kiwis and reach across the globe.

in the year to the end of May, net migration was 58,000 and natural increase, which is the difference between births and deaths, is running at about 27,000 a year, Statistics NZ says.

Auckland has accounted for half of New Zealand's population growth since 2006.

Census 2013 also found that the number of Aucklanders born overseas now tops 500,000.

No foreign buyer restrictions of any kind - Key
Earlier on Q+A, Mr Key said he does not favour any kind of ban on foreign resident buying New Zealand residential property, and says he doesn’t think New Zealanders do either.

Speaking to Corin Dann on TV One’s Q+A this morning, he said tools that could be used include stamp duties and  a land tax.  He thinks they will still be able to be applied if New Zealand signs the TPP – despite speculation that the agreement prohibits governments from favouring their own citizens.

In terms of housing affordability, Mr Key said the measures currently being taken – including various taxes, the requirement that foreign buyers have a New Zealand IRD number, and the Brightline test, are all the tools the government can and should use to ensure residents have access to housing.

“It’s not unique what’s happening in Auckland.  I know that’s cold comfort for those who want to buy a house in Auckland and are locked out of the market but it is not new – it’s exactly the same situation in Sydney, Melbourne and around the world.”

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