Peter's Blog

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Oct

17

October 2007

The recently published annual reports from the Residence Review Board and the Residence Removal Authority make interesting reading! The Residence Review Board states that they made a total of 432 decisions with the following results;

49% were dismissed.
51% were successful in one way or the other.
37% of the decisions made by Immigration New Zealand were incorrect.

The above, in my humble opinion, confirms three points,;

That applications were lodged by inexperienced agents . This could be prevented by selecting an Immigration Advisor who is a member of the NZAMI.
Applications have been assessed by inexperienced INZ staff. This is another reason to sel;ect a member of the NZAMI as they will fight for your case when you are right.
That Immigration Advisors and Immigration NZ need to improve their performances, take responsibility and train and upgrade themselves!

Sep

28

September 2007

Further to my July comments, in which I compared the New Zealand immigration quota with that of Australia, I am quite concerned with the number of Kiwi's going over to Australia. Please see article published on 25 September.

In a previous article on 5 July 2007 , we read that the New Zealand government has reduced the number of immigrants able to apply for residency in New Zealand. This is quite strange for two reasons;

in Australia they increased the number of possible immigrants as they are fully aware that the country needs immigrants and the contribution they make.
An article posted on 2 October 2007 confirms the great contribution from Immigrants to New Zealand. The monetary value is said to be $3 billion net, that is pure contribution with the expenses to health and education already taken out!!

Which business sector earns that amount of money in cash and net for the Government??

Sep

28

August 2007

A month full of developments and apperent contradicting newspaper articles.

This month started off with the Sweeping overhaul of the Immigration Act. While I personally believe that it is a neede reform, I maintain that certain aspects of the new law are very bad indeed. Especially changes in obtaining personal information under the Official Information Act is a change for the worst. Officials may now decline to give you that information. In other words, how can you protect yourself when you do not know the allegations, the negative comments or the reason(s) that your application has been declined? Please also refer to my article on the Newspage dated 09/08/07 .

On 20 August we are advised that there is a fall in new migrants while in an article published on 21 August , only 1 day later, we are advised that the population keeps growing! Please refer to the articles published on the Newspage on those days.

Jul

06

July 2007

What is happening with the Government, what are they doing? It is frankly very disappointing to hear that the new initiatives and changes in the imigration policy recently announced will not attract more immigrants. That's what my possible new clients are telling me, very clear, that's what the newspapers say, very clear, that's what commerce and industry are saying and that is what the immigrants say who look to countries such as America, Canada and Australia. That are the destinations where immigrants are received with open arms and where those governments are asking what their country may be able to do for them.

So what does this Government do? Instead of listening what the migrants have to say, instead of listening to commerce and industry, instead of reading/listening what newspapers are reporting and instead of looking overseas where immigration appears to be succesful, the Governement reduces the number of migrants in their annual quota!!

Below comment is taking out of a news item published by the Minsiter of Immigration on 5 July 2007:

"The range for the 12 months to June 30 was 47,000 to 52,000. Current indications are that about 47,000 people will have been approved for residence during that year."

"The number of migrants being sought under the programme in 2007-08 has been set in the range 45,000 to 50,000," Mr Cunliffe said.

This is absurd! How can we as a small nation grow to be totally self sufficient? I agree, we do need quality immigrants however the policies supporting the current applications are way of the mark!

It is worth noting that the Austalian Government has just increased its quota for migrants, this in stark contrast with the New Zealand Government; in Australia up with 20,000 while in New Zealand as above described a reduction of 5,000.

We appear to be losing from Australia on all fronts; rugby, netbal and now immigration!

Jun

07

June 2007

Wednesday 6 June 2007 is a day to remember; the Minister of Immigration finally anounces the long overdue changes in the Investor Category. Please remember these changes were promised to be delivered before Christmas 2006!!

The official stance from the NZAMI published on 7 June 2007 is as below;

CUNLIFFE PROPOSALS UNLIKELY TO END ACTIVE INVESTOR MIGRANT DROUGHT

The migration consultants' national organisation has welcomed changes to policy indicated today by the Minister of Immigration, the Hon. David Cunliffe.

However, the New Zealand Association for Migration and Investment (NZAMI) has questioned whether Mr Cunliffe's proposals will do much to combat the current drought in 'Active Investor' migration.

The NZAMI's Chairman, Bernard Walsh, describes the Minister's speech to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, as notable for the emphasis placed on long-term, underlying objectives.

"We certainly welcome this emphasis, as, over the years, there has been far too much short-term thinking in the formulation of immigration policy and an unwillingness to harness it to our overall economic goals as a nation.

"Similarly, we welcome indications of change in Skilled Migrant policy and, particularly, the minister's commitment to a more flexible interpretation of what constitutes skilled employment.

"The abandonment of stringent English language tests and age limits for active investors are also sensible and necessary steps. However, these and other Active Investor Policy measures, will only have a chance of working, if taxation and investment policy are harmonised with immigration policy," he says.

"Even with the best possible policy mix, we would still need to be realistic over the levels of active investor migration we can attract, given the overall state and size of our economy, as compared with those of other potential migrant destinations.

"With only 18 successful applicants in the year to date under current investor policy, we clearly have a huge task ahead of us if we are to benefit substantially as a nation from the global market in active investor migration. The policy changes outlined by the Minister thus represent a very small step in the right direction.

"We would welcome discussions with Mr Cunliffe and his team over how to maximise the benefit to New Zealand of Active Investor Policy," Mr Walsh adds.

Terra Nova Consultancy Ltd would comment that, based on the past, the policy changes as indicated by the Minister will certainly not attract more investors to New Zealand. The Minister only has to look at other countries such as USA, Canada etc. Their policies are really aimed at attracting investors and not, as is the case with the NZ policies, to scare them away!!

May

11

May 2007

In the beginning of this month a positive thing happened in Governement. The passing of the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act, which requires the mandatory licensing of all immigration advisers, is particular important and is therefore applauded and welcomed by Terra Nova Consultancy Ltd!

Members of the Government, it appears, are starting "bashing" immigration again. In a news article published on 11 May 2007 in the New Zealand Herald it states that "New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has pointed the finger of blame at immigration as key driver of inflation". While this may be true, I believe this to be a negative approach and certainly undeserved by the many immigrants coming into New Zealand.

It would be, in my humble opinion, much more worthwhile, especially by Government officials, to state the importance of immigration to this country. New Zealand needs people, quite simple. Immigrants bring the neccessary skills, experience and knowledge which is so desperately needed in New Zealand.

This is supported with an article in the same newspaper in the business section under the heading "Flood of workers keeps job market tight." The article states that "Employment surged in the first three months of the year, fresh evidence of an economic upswing is underway, while the unemployment rate at 3.8% indicates that the labour market remains tight". The article continues and states that "Firms have been reporting increasing difficulties in finding labour in recent quarters and perhaps parttimers were all they could find".

This to me is evidence to suggest that we need more "right" immigrants. With "right" I mean skilled, experienced immigrants in all sectors of business, manufacturing and labour. This also includes carpenters, bricklayers, electricians and the like as the number of these skilled poeple, currently New Zealand experiences a shortage especially in these areas, do certainly have an influence on the house prices!

According to various economic models a country like New Zealand requires to have at least a populationbase of 8 million people to be totally self reliant and self sustainable. Government practices of "Robbing Peter to pay Paul" are than things of the past and not required anymore.

I often compare the growing of a business to the growing of a country. When turnovers increase within a company, management has to make a decision when to appoint new staff members. What are the benefits of that new staff member and how much of the load can that staff member carry, in other words, what efficiency will be obtained through the appointments.

The same, I suggest, is applicable to immigrants coming into a country. The skills, expertise, knowledge and investment capital they all bring with them are the benefits. Yes, I agree, we may suffer a little with our infrastructure, however I am of the opinion that this will balance itself out. The economic principle of "Laissez faire, laissez passe" is certainly also applicable here.

In conclusion, I would suggest that the Government takes a more pro-active approach in Immigration. Planning and having a long term view how many people are required in New Zealand in the next 10 to 20 years would be the first step required, something what the Australian government has done.

In the meantime, it would not be a bad idea at all to open the borders for immigrants through the relaxation of certain policy sections in the various immigration categories.

Apr

28

April 2007

The year goes fast especially when you are having fun. That is exactly what we have experienced in our company this past year and currently; we work hard but also have lots of fun!

March 2007 was, as is with every-one operating a business, the last month of the financial year. It will take a couple of weeks to obtain the financial statements. Well, based on the fiancial statements I am pleased to report that we as a company have had a very good year. That is the reason that I wish to thank each and every client of my company for their trust and support! Without you it would not be possible. THANK YOU ALL.

The growth of the company is mainly in a couple of areas such as the Long Term Business Visa/Permits, Entrepreneur Residence applications, Business Plan writing and Family applications. Terra Nova Consultancy Ltd has experienced a nearly 100% approval rate in these areas thanks to the high quality applicants and our rigorous screening process before the company takes on a case.

Some very exiting news has just been released; Parliament has passed the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act, which requires the mandatory licensing of all immigration advisers and provides stiff fines and imprisonment for unlicensed agents.

This is great news which I as an immigration company owner have been looking forward to. In our practice I hear many stories of poor service and even immigrants paying too much (even been ripped off) for immigration services from an agent. The new law will be benificial to New Zealand and I totally agree with the Minister.

Now the ball is in the court of the Immigration department to improve their services and ensure that the desicions made are transparent and consistent. And consistency that is what is lacking. I have many cases where decisions were made inconsistent, from office to office and even in the same office. This should be dealt with immediately by Immigration New Zealand. While Immigration Advisers will be punishable, case officers may still get away with murder!

Mar

21

March 2007

As you may have noticed in my previous bloggs I have always been sceptical about the reported figures confirming the number of immigrants coming into New Zealand. Some of the reasons that I say that is purely based on the following;

Last month February 2007 I commented in my blogg stating that the net migration had increased. Today the below comments state that net inflow of migrants dwindled!! Up to you to make a guess, I suggest!

The title of the artcile is "Migration fall tipped to hit home boom " and was published in the Herald on Wednesday March 21, 2007?by Brian Fallow. It states the following;

"The net inflow of migrants dwindled to 520 last month, a possible early signal of weaker economic growth and a more subdued housing market ahead.

It was the second consecutive month in which net immigration, seasonally adjusted, was weak. In January it was 410. These figures contrast with an average monthly inflow of 1235 over the past year. The annual tally, unadjusted for seasonal effects, was 13,151 which is in line with Reserve Bank expectations.

But the net inflow for the past three months, if sustained for a year, would be under 8000, which would make it the weakest since the three net outflow years around the turn of the century.

But economists are reluctant to proclaim a turning point in the trend on the strength of two weak months.

They point to an emerging disparity between the permanent and long-term (PLT) migration figures, which reflect what people put on their arrival or departure cards at the airports, and the net flow of all departures and arrivals, including short-term ones.

The total net inflow was 19,890 in the year to February - half as large again as the PLT inflow.

Normally they track closely together, as the short-term flows reverse, but lately the total net inflow has been stronger than the PLT one.

"We think it quite possible this reflects 'category hopping', that is, people who arrive with the intention of staying short-term but who find a job and apply for residency onshore," said Deutsche Bank chief economist Darren Gibbs. "If so this suggests more upward pressure than a focus on the permanent and long-term arrivals alone might indicate."

Goldman Sachs JB Were economist Shamubeel Eaqub said if a trend of slowing arrivals and rising departures persisted, the demographic support to a moderately soft landing for the economy would be at risk.

Over the year to last September the GDP growth of 1.3 per cent was largely due to population growth, he said. Per capita GDP grew only 0.2 per cent.

Data from the Immigration Service suggested visa issuance is likely to have peaked late last year, Eaqub said, and has been moderating across all categories: work, residence and student visas.

"A downturn in net migration would have the most direct and immediate impact on housing - construction and property turnover - with amplified impacts on consumption and the broader economy further down the track."

For the year ended February 48,889 New Zealanders left, intending to stay away for at least a year, the largest outflow for five years, while the 23,764 who returned, having been overseas for at least a year, was the smallest number for six years.

The net inflow of non-New Zealand citizens, at 38,276, was the strongest for three years.

Feb

15

February 2007

Are you good at maths and figures? Here may be some interesting information for you, hot of the press (5 March 2007);

Drain to Australia steadies, UK inflow up 7%, net migrant gain doubles.

New Zealand’s net migrant inflow doubled in the January 2007 year, from 7000 to 14,100, although the count for the month of January was down from 1700 to 1200.

January arrivals jumped to a range 10,500-11,700 in the 3 years 2002-04, then settled back to about 9000. Departures had risen to 9920 in January 2001 but dropped below 6700 in each of the next 3 Januaries, before edging up to a range of 7300-7900.

From the boom which took the net migrant inflow close to 40,000, the inflow settled back to 12,810 in the January 2005 year, 6960 last year, but back up to 14,120 in the latest period.

The net gain for the January 2007 year included 11,898 from Asia (up 5429, headed by the Philippines 2481, India 2225, China 1950, Japan 1732), 14,420 from Europe (the UK up 7% to 10,684) and a continuing drain to Australia (21,552 in the January 2007 year, up by only 113 on the previous year).

Short-term arrivals fell 1.5% to 246,750 in January, but rose by 1.4% for the year to 2.42 million.

When arriving in New Zealand you have to complete a so-called Airport Arrival Card and indicate how long you intend to stay. Government authorities are stating, based on those figures, that "immigration" continues to increase.

These figures indeed confirm that "arrivals" into New Zealand for a period of one year or more is increasing. Are these "arrival" figures however comparable with the real "immigration" figures? In other words, these figures indicating the number of people arriving in New Zealand for a period of one year or more should not be compared with people obtaining permanent residence in New Zealand!!

New Zealand is loosing the immigration war with other countries. Our rules and regulations are too cumbersome, too complicated and they appear not to be working. You only have to read the articles in the National newspapers and you may be surprised to read that highly qulaified and skilled people are "missing the boat", not because of themselves, they are qualified and highly skilled, but purely through Immigration procedures.

Dealing with those issues and navigating through the immigration procedures while having proper representation, you as a possible migrant have the option to get assistance from an immigration consultant. And "why" you may ask?

The answer is quite simple really. When you have issues with your health you see a Doctor, when you have issues with the law you see a Lawyer, when you wish to sell or buy a house you see a Realtor, and when you wish to immigrate you see an Immigration Consultant who is a member of the NZAMI.

Jan

17

January 2007

Wishing you all and your loved ones a happy, safe, healthy and prosperous New Year 2007! Thanks for the support I have received from you all and I hope to see you all shortly.

Having just been on a combined overseas business trip and holiday in Holland and in Korea, I realised what a beautifull country New Zealand is! The right choice it certainly is for me!

Dec

06

December 2006

Before reading the below personal comments relating to the announcement of the Government yesterday confirming sweeping changes to Immigration Laws, I wish to refer you to an article published on this website on Thursday, 10 August 2006, "The Immigration Service got it wrong in about a third of cases where people appealed against being denied residency".

I have great concerns to the changes in the Immigration Law which will be introduced in the form of a Bill in April 2007. A multitude of concerns have been raised however the proposed changes confirm that only a few of those raised issues have been addressed.

The government will now be able to play politics with human rights through the extension of the use of classified information in immigration decision making. Under the current act classified information can only be used for security risks, while the new act has been extended to include national or international security, criminal conduct or significant international reputation issues for New Zealand may be an issue.

What does significant mean in this context, and, what does reputation mean in this context? Pretty damned vague, isn't it?!

Decision making requires you know the full story and not half truth! And what about people with a personal gripe against you? They may provide false information to the INZ making it impossible for you to fight or defend yourself. In other words, you may not be able to defend yourself because you do not know the case against you!! Is that correct????

Some of the proposed changes include the streamlining of the appeals process preventing attempts to dragging out staying in the country. Yes, I agree with that in principle, however some points need to be raised;

How many more people have been declined who however did not appeal? How many more possible immigrants may we have lost to other countries?

Would it not be better for the Government / Minister of Immigration to properly train Immigration staff to ensure that correct decisions are made in the first instance? Would it not be better for the Government / Minister of Immigration to work together with the Immigration Industry?

It appears that this Government is very good in so-called consultations and then decide to continue on their already planned and chosen route. The question may be asked if this is democracy?

Oct

30

November 2006

While writing this I suddenly realised that the Christmas Season is just around the corner! Its only 6 weeks before the End of the Year! Wow, what a quick year!

For those people here in New Zealand on temporary permits, please check your permits. Will they still be valid during the Festive Season? It is worth checking out and, if required, take the necessary steps to remain on a valid permit at all times, specially so during the Festive Season.

During the months of December, January and even February, many people, including your case officer, may have their well deserved annual break. The decision on your case may therefore take a bit longer for the obvious reasons.

In short, take action NOW when your permits are due to expire in those months. When you require any assistance, please give me a call or email me.

The political scene has undergone a dramatic change; Dr Don Brash the leader of the National Party resigned. What a pity! He brought the National Party back to a formidable force to be reckoned with mainly due to the fact that he was genuinely liked by the people of New Zealand! Let us hope that his successor , John Key, is as successful!

On 28 July 2006 the Minister of Immigration promised to present some immigration ploicy changes before Christmas 2006. "It would be a Christmas present" was his comment. As I understand now, this has been postponed till early next year! This is, I believe, a real disappointment, especially for possible Migrants to New Zealand! It's about time that the Minister keeps his word and delivers what he promised.

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Covid 19 Notice

As the impact of the coronavirus continues to evolve, we face this unprecedented situation together. The pandemic is affecting all of us. At Terra Nova Consultancy Ltd we wish to reach out and update you on how we are addressing it. Our top priority is to protect the health and safety of our employees, clients, and our communities. Our focus on customer service remains at the center of everything we do, and we are fully committed to continue to serve you with our services, and striving to provide our services without interruption.Please listen and act upon the advise given by the Government, only in that way will we together be able to combat this challenge. And as always, stay healthy and keep safe.

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Contact Details

Terra Nova Consultancy Ltd
14 Glanworth Place, Botany 2106
Manukau, Auckland 2106,
New Zealand

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Please arrange visit by appointment.

Mobile: +64 275 706 540

Postal Address:
PO Box 58385, Botany
Manukau, Auckland 2163,
New Zealand

Licensed Immigration Adviser

Johannes Petrus (Peter) Hubertus Cornelis Hendrikx

License number: 200800214

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licenced by the NZ Government?
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