NZ Nature Fund Welcomes Active Investor Plus Visa Philanthropy Changes
The New Zealand Nature Fund (NZNF) has congratulated the government on recently announced changes to the Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa Growth category.
Eligible skilled migrants with a job or a job offer in specific roles on the Straight to Residence pathway will now be able to apply for residence
From today, eligible skilled migrants with a job or a job offer in specific roles on the Straight to Residence pathway will be able to apply for residence, both from on shore and overseas.
The Straight to Residence pathway is designed to provide an incentive for migrants who have skills in hard-to-fill, nationally significant roles that New Zealand needs, says Immigration Minister Michael Wood.
He says the pathway offers potential migrants on New Zealand Immigration’s Green List – which includes dairy farm managers and dairy herd managers – with more certainty.
“The streamlined process makes it easier for employers to attract and hire people that will help address shortages in these highly skilled areas.
“This is one of three new residence pathways introduced as part of the Government’s immigration rebalance. Skilled migrants on the ‘Work to Residence’ and ‘Highly Paid’ resident pathways will be able to apply from 29 September 2023, once they have obtained 24 months of acceptable work in New Zealand,” Wood says.
Wood also confirmed details of the next three years of the Refugee Quota Programme, including the composition of the 2022/23 quota.
He says the programme is back to full capacity and will see 1,500 refugees resettled each year.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.

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