Prime Minister Christopher Luxon positioned New Zealand as a secure and welcoming destination for foreign investment, speaking at the New Zealand Infrastructure Investment Summit in Auckland on 13 March.
Luxon highlighted the nation’s stability and outlined his government’s plans to attract investment through infrastructure development and immigration reforms.
A Safe Harbour in an Uncertain World
Addressing the opening of the New Zealand Infrastructure Investment Summit, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stressed the country’s enduring reputation for political and social stability, a key draw for investors navigating global instability. “New Zealand has been and will continue to be a poster child for social and political stability in a more volatile and challenging world,” Luxon said.
He pointed out that New Zealand’s longstanding reputation for stability has only become more relevant in the face of ongoing global challenges: “That reputation is long-standing, but in challenging times it has come into sharper focus.”
Luxon concluded by contrasting his country’s security with the heightened volatility seen worldwide, saying, “When you look at all the tension, volatility and strife in the world today, I think that makes us pretty special, and a very attractive destination for anyone looking to take shelter from the global storm.”
Pushing for Economic Growth Through Foreign Investment
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s centre-right government is prioritising foreign direct investment (FDI) as a key strategy to drive economic recovery, especially as the country navigates the aftermath of the global pandemic and the ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The government has committed to reducing bureaucracy and fast-tracking approvals for major projects in sectors like transport infrastructure, energy, housing, and mining as New Zealand approaches the 2026 election. The New Zealand Infrastructure Investment Summit, attended by around 100 delegates from both New Zealand and abroad, provided an essential platform for showcasing investment opportunities.
Among the notable attendees were representatives from the Ministry of Investment for the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong’s CK Infrastructure Holdings, and U.S.-based investment fund Global Infrastructure Partners, owned by BlackRock.
Commitment to Free Trade Amid Global Uncertainty
While Prime Minister Christopher Luxon did not address U.S. President Donald Trump or the recent trade tariff decisions that led to the dismissal of a senior New Zealand diplomat, he reinforced his government’s unwavering support for free trade.
“We consistently advocate for a rules-based international order that allows small countries like New Zealand to thrive,” Luxon asserted. “Free trade isn’t just an idea in New Zealand; it’s the bedrock of our prosperity.”
Luxon emphasised New Zealand’s long-term trade policies, signalling to investors that the country remains dedicated to a transparent and predictable economic environment, which remains increasingly important in the face of rising global protectionism.
Immigration Reforms to Attract High-Value Individuals
The government is also revising immigration policies to attract skilled workers and wealthy investors as part of its broader strategy to strengthen the economy.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford announced that a new “golden visa” programme will launch on 1 April, targeting high-net-worth individuals interested in relocating to New Zealand.
Additionally, Stanford is working on overhauling the entrepreneur visa, aiming to make it more appealing to business-minded migrants. “The current visa is not working well – it attracts few applicants, and it is complex to navigate,” she admitted. “The aim is to offer an attractive pathway for migrant entrepreneurs who have the capital and experience to operate businesses in New Zealand.”
Positive Economic Outlook
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed optimism about New Zealand’s economic trajectory, noting the country’s position at the beginning of a cyclical recovery. He assured investors that inflation remains under control and that economic growth is expected to increase in the coming years, despite the ongoing global challenges.
With a backdrop of political and economic stability and pro-business reforms, the government is making a compelling argument for New Zealand as a top investment destination.
The summit reinforced the administration’s focus on attracting capital, fostering business-friendly policies, and supporting economic recovery in an uncertain global environment.