New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus visa scheme, which was introduced in 2020, aims to attract high-net-worth individuals to invest in the country and ultimately become residents. The scheme offers a significant incentive for potential investors, as it allows them to apply for residency with a reduced investment amount if the investment is made into an approved company or fund. This is a significant opportunity for New Zealand to access global investment capital and expertise, and to create jobs and economic growth.
An important aspect of the Active Investor Plus visa scheme is the independent advisory panel that has been appointed to support it. The panel, which comprises experienced industry professionals, is responsible for determining which investments qualify for the visa’s special weighting. The panel’s role is to review and evaluate investment applications, and to ensure that the investments align with the scheme’s objectives of supporting economic development and job creation in New Zealand.
The appointment of an independent advisory panel is a positive step towards ensuring transparency and fairness in the decision-making process. It also helps to build trust and confidence in the scheme among potential investors. The panel members are appointed by NZTE and are independent from the government, this helps to provide objective and unbiased advice to the government on the role and importance of the panel in the scheme.
One of the key responsibilities of the panel is to review and evaluate investment applications to ensure that they align with the scheme’s objectives. This includes assessing the potential impact of the investment on economic development and job creation in New Zealand, as well as the investor’s ability to actively participate in the management of the investment. The panel also assesses the risk involved in the investment and its potential return.
The panel members bring a wealth of experience and knowledge in institutional investment and fund management, risk, compliance and financial regulation. This helps to ensure that the panel’s decisions are based on sound judgement and expertise, and that the investments selected align with the scheme’s objectives.
The panel’s decisions are final, and once investments are determined acceptable by the panel and confirmed by NZTE, the managed funds are added to a list published on NZTE’s website, while direct investments receive a letter of confirmation to provide to their investor as evidence for Immigration New Zealand.
The panel is scheduled to meet for the first time in February and is expected to meet monthly to review applications. The panel members are also required to complete a declaration of interests and affirm before each meeting that there are no new conflicts. This helps to ensure that the panel’s decision making process is free from any conflict of interest.
In conclusion, the independent advisory panel plays a critical role in the Active Investor Plus visa scheme. It helps to ensure that the scheme’s objectives are met and that investments align with these objectives. The panel’s decision-making process is transparent, fair and based on sound judgement and expertise. The panel members are independent from the government, this provides objectivity and impartiality to the scheme. It ultimately helps to build trust and confidence in the scheme among potential investors, which is vital for the success of the scheme.