The government has launched Invest New Zealand, a bold initiative to attract foreign investment, create high-paying jobs, and grow the economy.

Invest New Zealand, modelled on successful Irish and Singaporean frameworks, will streamline investment processes and offer tailored support to foreign investors.

Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay said the agency aims to increase capital investment in critical infrastructure, foster innovation in key sectors, and attract global talent.

“Invest New Zealand will streamline the investment process and provide tailored support to foreign investors, increasing capital investment across critical infrastructure, fostering greater innovation in key sectors, and attracting world-class talent to our shores,” McClay said.

The agency will focus on boosting productivity and innovation by drawing foreign direct investment (FDI) into high-potential sectors. It will simplify processes to enhance capital investment in projects such as banking, FinTech, energy, roading, manufacturing, and private sector growth.

The initiative also seeks to increase research and development (R&D) investment by multinational companies in New Zealand while encouraging skilled professionals to strengthen domestic capabilities and global connections.

Initially incubating within New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), Invest New Zealand will transition to an Autonomous Crown Entity with a clear mandate to attract international capital, ideas, and expertise.

Meanwhile, NZTE will refocus solely on helping Kiwi businesses expand export markets, with both agencies retaining all existing staff to support a goal of doubling export value within a decade.