How we can help

Using our services to get the most out of investing in New Zealand

Our network of investment managers are based in New Zealand and in key locations around the world. We promote New Zealand as an investment destination and help potential investors take advantage of opportunities in New Zealand.

As part of our service we help international investors to:

• relocate their businesses to New Zealand
• establish greenfield operations
• invest in and work with New Zealand companies in global ventures.

We also match high-growth New Zealand businesses in strategic sectors to international investors. We do this by:

• providing general and customized reports on New Zealand investment opportunities, costs and regulatory processes for your investment
• facilitating your visit to New Zealand by identifying potential investment targets and arranging suitable meetings, including introductions to other contacts in New Zealand that could support your investment -  regional economic development agencies, for example
• facilitating the selection of suitable sites for your investment project
• helping coordinate your investment, including helping to remove potential obstacles- providing information and facilitating access to other government assistance programmes
• providing information about potential New Zealand-based advisors or suppliers for your investment project

General information about investing in New Zealand

A first stop for investors is our specialist investment team. The team has extensive knowledge of the local investment environment and substantial experience helping international corporate investors invest in and work with New Zealand companies.

Immigration and investment

With new policies designed to facilitate access for investors and entrepreneurs, there are opportunities for investing in New Zealand through immigration.

Visit www.investmentnow.govt.nz

Legislative framework

A large number of investments do not need approvals beyond the normal legislative business framework for NZ-based companies.The Overseas Investment Act 2005 regulates the acquisitions by overseas entities of 25 percent or more ownership or control interests in sensitive New Zealand land and significant business assets. 

There are three categories of sensitive New Zealand assets:

1. sensitive land, for example, farm land, historical landmarks, regional parks.
2. significant business assets: assets (shares or business) of more than $100 million, and
3. fishing quota.

The Overseas Investment Act

In March 2009 the New Zealand Government announced it would review the Overseas Investment Act in order to maintain a liberal foreign investment environment and to reduce compliance costs where feasible. The first part of the review was completed in July 2009. For more information, visit the Treasury website.

Other useful organizations

• The Internal Revenue Department website provides information about individual and business taxation in New Zealand, including all the necessary procedures and forms.
• Immigration New Zealand provides facilitation services for businesses sourcing or relocating international staff.
• The Overseas Investment Office, part of Land Information New Zealand, administers the New Zealand Government's foreign investment policies. The core work of the Office is to assess applications for consent from foreigners who intend making substantial investments in New Zealand.
• The Ministry of Economic Development focuses on sustainable economic development. Its website provides information about all aspects of New Zealand's economic development policies including the legal framework, regulation of specific markets, policy-making and implementation.
• Should you need to use legal or other expert advice, the New Zealand Law Society can help you locate a suitable law firm.