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Active Investor Plus delivers $3 billion in investment in New Zealand

Source: New Zealand Government

Less than a year after it was refreshed, the Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa is bringing $3.39 billion into New Zealand, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford announced today.

“These results show that the significant changes the Government has made to the visa is achieving our goal of making an investor visa available that attracts high-value global investors and supports the Government’s Going for Growth approach,” Ms Stanford says. 

To date, 573 applications have been made, totalling $3.39 billion. In comparison, 116 applications were received with around $70 million of investment committed over two-and-a-half years under the settings introduced by the previous Government.

Ms Stanford made the announcement today during a visit to Hectre, an orchard‑technology firm that has received AIP investment to support its growth and create high‑skilled jobs.

“Hectre is another excellent example of New Zealand innovation and potential taking flight, supported by great investors who are keen to create value together with us and do business here.

“International investment is critical for lifting productivity, supporting jobs, and helping New Zealand businesses to expand. The results we are seeing indicate strong overseas confidence in our direction and economic ambition.”

Since the April 2025 refresh:

  • 573 applications have been received
  • $1.05 billion is already invested with $2.34 billion in the pipeline, expected in the next six months
  • The Growth Category is the most popular, with most investment flowing through managed funds.

“Investments are already supporting growth across various sectors, including in tech, healthcare, aged care, horticulture, and digital media,” Ms Stanford says. 

“Benefits are numerous, with AIP investment helping our companies access critical capital for growth – that is helping local firms to expand, hire more skilled workers, and grow export revenue.” 

Ms Stanford says that investment has also been unlocking productive capital for businesses across New Zealand, from cybersecurity and cloud technology to regional infrastructure.

“These investors bring not just capital, but global experience, expertise, and networks. I have had the pleasure of meeting some of these investors over the last year and I have seen firsthand their love for, and commitment to, New Zealand.

“I am delighted that our new visa settings are helping to open up possibility and opportunity for investment. New Zealand is famous for its ingenuity. Overseas investment and partnership with extremely talented people is boosting our economy and helping us to build for the future.

“New Zealand is open for business. I look forward to seeing the jobs, development, and long-term growth our changes continue to generate in key sectors.”

To encourage deeper connection to New Zealand, investor visa holders can also now buy or build one home valued at $5 million or more.  

Note to editors: 

  • The Growth category for the AIP visa focuses on higher-risk investments, including managed funds and direct investments in New Zealand businesses. It requires a minimum investment of NZD $5 million for a minimum period of 3 years.
  • The Balanced category focuses on mixed investments, with the ability to choose ones that are lower risk. There is a minimum investment of NZD $10 million over 5 years.
  • More information on the Active Investor Plus visa can be found online:
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Live NRL pre-season: Warriors v Manly Sea Eagles

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Warriors take on the Manly Sea Eagles in their opening pre-season trial at McLean Park in Napier.

Winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is out, after picking up a low-grade hamstring injury at training ahead of the team’s trip to Hawke’s Bay.

He will also miss the 20 February game against the Dolphins, but is expected to return for the round one clash with the Roosters at Go Media Mt Smart Stadium on March 6.

Kick-off against the Sea Eagles is at 3.40pm.

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Wade Egan Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Earth Tongue get a taste for analogue on new release

Source: Radio New Zealand

Wellington psych rock duo Earth Tongue’s latest album was recorded old school in LA with Ty Segall on production duties.

Multi-instrumentalist garage king Segall is famous for his lo-fi approach to recording, the result was Dungeon Vision a raw record, drummer Ezra Simons told Music 101.

“I don’t wanna say rough around the edges, but it’s a raw record. And we worked with a pretty punk rock producer, you know. It was all fully analogue.

Earth Tongue.

Nicola Sandford

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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New Zealand SailGP live updates: Day one off Auckland’s Wynyard Point

Source: Radio New Zealand

The SailGP professional sailing league returns to the ‘City of Sails’ for the second event of the 2026 series, performing in front of an expanded Wynyard Point grandstand.

Can New Zealand bounce back from last year’s disappointment and a hectic few weeks of repairs to their boat, or will the Aussies retain bragging rights on the Waitematā Harbour?

Follow all the action with RNZ’s live blog:

Fans celebrate a Black Foils win from the Wynyard Point grandstand. Iain McGregor for SailGP

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Temporary closure of Pirongia tracks following severe weather

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  14 February 2026

Initial assessments indicate that some tracks and bridges have been damaged or washed away, creating potential safety risks for visitors. As a precaution, DOC staff have closed the following tracks while detailed assessments are undertaken: Bell Track, Hihikiwi Track, Mahaukura Track, Nikau Track, Ruapane Track, Tahanui Track and Mangakara Track.

DOC Waikato Operations Manager Niwha Jones says Waikato DOC staff are currently on-site installing closure signage and will be assessing track conditions and infrastructure over the coming week.

“Tracks will be reopened on a case-by-case basis once they are confirmed to be safe for public use.”

Bookings for Pahautea Hut and Pahautea Campsite for the coming week have been removed temporarily. Visitors with existing bookings for this weekend and next week are being contacted by DOC and refunded. At this stage, closures apply only to affected Pirongia tracks.

Niwha Jones advises visitors to respect track closures, avoid affected areas, and check the DOC website for the latest updates before planning any visit.

“Public safety is DOC’s priority, and we appreciate the public’s patience while assessments and any necessary repair work is completed.”

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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Can my stepchildren force me to sell my home – Ask Susan

Source: Radio New Zealand

Susan Edmunds. RNZ

Got questions? RNZ has a podcast, Got questions? RNZ has a podcast [www.rnz.co.nz/podcasts/nostupidquestions No Stupid Questions with Susan Edmunds].

We’d love to hear more of your questions about money and the economy. You can send through written questions, like these ones, but – even better – you can drop us a voice memo to our email questions@rnz.co.nz

Re my joint family home and joint savings. I believed these are owned by (me) the surviving partner?

Nothing is in my partner’s name only. I invited my partner’s far-flung adult children and adult grandchildren to the funeral weekend.

My own grandchild overheard them talking about a legal claim to force me to sell my home for their benefit.

My partner and I registered it as our joint family home when we built it three decades ago and it took me more than two decades to care for my non working partner and pay off the mortgage.

I am fit and well and live in my home. My friends, children, grandchild and activities are nearby.

I am extremely upset by their claims as are my own children?

Can my “steps” legally force me to sell my home to provide money for them? My legal firm said this is “not possible” then changed their position.

This is a tricky question and we got into it a bit more on the podcast this week.

Michelle Pope, who is principal trustee at Public Trust, said usually assets held in joint names, as in your family home and savings, will automatically pass to the surviving joint owner.

“However, it’s important to confirm whether the property is legally owned jointly or in equal/unequal shares.

“If it’s jointly owned, it will in most cases pass directly to the surviving owner through what’s called ‘survivorship’ in legal language and will not form part of the deceased person’s estate.

“If not, the deceased’s share will need to be administered as part of their estate, which can add complexity.”

As for whether your stepchildren could force a sale, she said probably not.

But your partner’s estate could make a claim to claw back assets that could then be subject to a claim from the stepchildren.

“An example could include if they believe they are not adequately provided for in their father’s will. If successful, selling assets might be an outcome of any legal decision.”

Pope said because your partner had a will, there would be more clarity about what was intended to happen.

“Having a will can help reduce the risk of legal disputes and give clarity for families but cannot prevent claims being made.

“Blended families are increasingly common and estate planning in these situations can be complex.

“We strongly recommend people seek professional advice to explore options and ensure your estate plan reflects your intentions.”

How do I find a financial adviser who will give me truly independent financial advice?

I’m reasonably happy with my financial plans but it’s always good to check with an expert.

However I know many advisers are remunerated through commissions and therefore are only going to recommend products or providers that pay them.

My current investment plans mainly revolve around low fees broad market index funds so I’m worried by seeking financial advice someone will try to steer me away from this and towards higher fee actively managed products because of commission. I want truly objective advice and to not be suspicious of what’s in it for the adviser.

You’re right that many financial advisers are paid by the organisations that they place their clients with.

Historically, I think that’s been because people have been really reluctant to pay an upfront fee – and the advisers need to be paid somehow.

If you want to avoid that, you could look for an adviser who is going to charge you a fee instead. You might pay by the hour for their time, or a set amount for a financial plan or ongoing monitoring and advice.

But all advisers are bound by rules including the need to disclose how they are paid and by whom as part of their advice process.

Nick Hakes, who is chief executive of Financial Advice NZ, which represents advisers, said they would need to explain how they charged, what they were paid and the scope of their advice.

“My encouragement to any client seeking a financial adviser is to go with a whole list of questions so not just about how they might be remunerated but have they helped someone in similar circumstances to you? And how did they help? Remuneration method is just one of a series of questions which all client should be asking financial advisers.”

He said Financial Advice NZ had a directory online that listed all the members of the professional body. That could be a good place to start to look through your options and see who might be a good fit.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Christchurch City Council issues boil water notice for eastern suburbs

Source: Radio New Zealand

All water, including filtered water, needs to be continuously boiled for at least one minute, although jugs with an automatic cut-off switch can be used, as long as they are full. RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Christchurch residents in eastern suburbs are being warned to boil their water because of bacteria contamination.

A public health alert was issued for people living in New Brighton, Burwood, Wainoni, Aranui and Southshore.

It said all water, including filtered water, needs to be continuously boiled for at least one minute, although jugs with an automatic cut-off switch can be used, as long as they are full.

Residents and people travelling into the areas will receive text alerts about the problem.

Supplied

More to come…

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Ōtorohanga flooding in pictures: Residents wake to waist-deep water

Source: Radio New Zealand

A local state of emergency has been declared in Ōtorohanga, Waikato, after the district was lashed by heavy rains.

The declaration was made at 12:57am on Saturday and will stay in effect for seven days.

Mayor Rodney Dow said the district had experienced widespread flooding, slips and inundation.

“The situation in Ōtorohanga is serious.”

He said the community was grieving following news that a man had died after his car became submerged in floodwaters.

Here is some of the footage and imagery that emerged following the deluge:

Flooding on nearby Kio Kio Station Road. Supplied / Colin Payne

Floodwaters in Ōtorohanga, on Saturday 14 February, 2026. RNZ/ Marika Khabazi

Ōtorohanga Mayor Rodney Dow said the community was grieving following news that a man had died after his car became submerged in floodwaters. RNZ/ Marika Khabazi

A car near Ōtorohanga Primary School was submerged following the flooding. RNZ/Marika Khabazi

Flooding in Ōtorohanga, on 14 February 2026. Supplied/ Joy Wickham

Flooding on Corcoran Road on Saturday morning. Facebook/Waipā District Council

Flooding on Kio Kio Station Road, where residents were evacuated overnight. Supplied / Colin Payne

Flooding at Ōtorohanga Museum. Supplied / Amanda Kiddie

A slip on State Highway 39, Ōtorohanga. Supplied / Otorohanga Volunteer Fire Brigade

Flooding on State Highway 39, Ōtorohanga. Supplied / Otorohanga Volunteer Fire Brigade

Flooding in Ōtorohanga, on 14 February 2026. Supplied/ Joy Wickham

Bystanders observe flooding around Phillips Avenue in Ōtorohanga on 14 February 2026. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

A garden bed floating on a flooded property on Phillips Avenue following flooding in Ōtorohanga.

Flooding on Phillips Road, Ōtorohanga. RNZ / Lucy Xia

Trish Osterman’s home following flooding in Ōtorohanga. RNZ / Lucy Xia

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Violence against prison healthcare workers flying under the radar, union says

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Department of Corrections told RNZ it couldn’t reveal the number of its medical staff who have been assaulted by inmates. 123RF

The main nursing union says violence against prison healthcare workers is flying under the radar.

The Department of Corrections told RNZ it couldn’t reveal the number of its medical staff who have been assaulted by inmates, because information about the specific roles of prison staff attacked at work was held on individual files and not readily retrievable.

However, it said a manual scan of its files showed that most assaults in prisons were against officers, and a small proportion are against medical staff, which aligned with anecdotal reports from frontline leaders.

The Nurses Organisation’s corrections spokesperson, Michael Pye, said many prison nurses didn’t report assaults and considered violence part of their job.

“One because it’s part of the job and two because the systems that allow you to do report it are quite time consuming in terms of getting on and doing the job and three there’s a slight sense of scepticism that nothing is going to change,” he said.

Pye, who is also a prison nurse, said that anecdotally assaults against Corrections medical employees were up.

“We’ve had serious injuries to the head and face, requiring ongoing treatment. People have been lashed out at, people have been spat on and so on.”

Pye said the NZNO and Corrections were establishing a joint working party to look at violence and aggression against prison healthcare staff.

Corrections’ Commissioner Custodial Services Leigh Marsh said serious assaults represented a small proportion of the total assaults against its staff, but any assault was “unacceptable”.

“In recent years, we have placed an increased importance on staff recording prisoner on staff assaults, regardless of whether they result in injury.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Government urges people to put safety first as severe weather hits North Island

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is urging people to put safety first, as it gets behind North Island communities facing another period of severe weather, less than one month after the tragic storms of last month and three years since Cyclone Gabrielle struck in 2023.

Severe weather warnings are in place in many parts of the North Island, and flooding has tragically already claimed one life last night in South Waikato. 

Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery, Mark Mitchell, says the Government is doing everything it can to support communities, many of whom are still recovering from last month’s storms.

“Emergency services and Government agencies are working together to support locally-led response efforts, and NZDF, Fire and Emergency, Police, St Johns, and Health NZ have assets pre-positioned in Tairawhiti” says Mr Mitchell. 

“We are getting in behind local Civil Defence as they face another gruelling response, and the Government is ready to surge in assistance to anywhere that needs it.

“What’s most important right now is that you keep yourself and your loved ones safe.  Take these warnings seriously and don’t take any chances.

“Never drive, walk, or swim through floodwaters. If waters rise around you, don’t wait for an alert – get to higher ground immediately.

“If you’re under a severe weather warning, avoid non-essential travel, as driving conditions will be hazardous.

“We are tragically all too aware of the risks that landslides pose. Stay alert for the warning signs and get out if you don’t feel safe.  

“A number of Emergency Mobile Alerts have been issued, but please stay informed through a range of channels – your local Civil Defence Group, MetService, NZTA and radio.”

For more information on what to do before, during and after a storm, visit Storms — Get Ready (NZ Civil Defence) — Emergency preparedness in New Zealand

For more information about landslide safety, visit Landslides — Get Ready (NZ Civil Defence) — Emergency preparedness in New Zealand