Scepticism over Immigration NZ's faster residence visa promise

Scepticism over Immigration NZ's faster residence visa promise
Michael Wood says the government is simplifying and streamlining residence visas (Image: Getty)
Jem Traylen
Immigration minister Michael Wood’s announcement that residence visas for the new green list pathways will be processed within six weeks is being met with scepticism.Two years has become the norm for processing residence visas since a backlog began to grow in 2018 – prior to that most were processed in about six months.Last year, the government announced a special one-off 2021 residence visa to clear the backlog, promising most applications would be processed within 12 months – this target has since slipped to 18 months.Immigr...

More Policy

LNG imports: Watts open-minded on scale
Policy

LNG imports: Watts open-minded on scale

Energy sector analysts fear a "small, cheap" option will push up the LNG price NZ pays.

Adrian Orr launches new company as restraint of trade lifts
Economy

Adrian Orr launches new company as restraint of trade lifts

It’s been six months since his exit from the central bank.

Denise McNabb 07 Oct 2025
Auckland’s Milldale housing project approved
Policy

Auckland’s Milldale housing project approved

The project is the third approved since applications opened in February.

Michael Neilson 03 Oct 2025
Govt outlines strategy to deliver Defence Capability Plan
Economy

Govt outlines strategy to deliver Defence Capability Plan

The economy and NZ industry would be beneficiaries.

Staff reporters 03 Oct 2025