Worldwide interest in moving to New Zealand has spiked in the aftermath of Christchurch's deadly terror attacks.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) figures show a significant lift in the volume of registrations from people interested in living and working in New Zealand since the March 15 shootings, when 50 Muslim worshippers were killed at the Masjid Al Noor and Linwood Masjid by a lone gunman.
INZ assistant general manager Peter Elms said his agency had received 6457 registrations of interest from March 15 to 24, compared to 4844 for the preceding 10 days – a 33 per cent increase.
The largest numerical increase had come from the United States – 1165 compared to 674, a 72 per cent increase. Britain and South Africa had the second and third highest number of registrations, compared to the 10 days before the attacks. Britain jumped from 505 to 753 – a 49 per cent increase.
Predominantly Muslim countries, notably Pakistan (333 registrations since the attacks), had shown a surge in interest despite their faith being the terror target. New Zealand Muslims have received an outpouring of goodwill in the form of vigils, flowers, messages and donations.
Other Muslim majority countries showing increased interest include Malaysia (165 registrations), Bangladesh (82), Morocco (66), Indonesia (63), Egypt (59) and Turkey (59).
These were purely registrations of interest in coming to New Zealand and not visa applications, Elms said.
Some of the interest in living in New Zealand appears to be a reaction to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's empathetic approach to the victims of the shootings.
I think so too. It will bring confidence into the market.
Whatever PM said will now invincible, she has proved her leadership. Winston Peter and Green will be more and more marginalised (ie not taken notice off anymore). Doesn't matter if kiwibuild will fail, people will understand, afterall, property prices are now under control.
National will be more and more unable to touch her and convince others to dislike her.
She is now fast moving forward. A quantum leap. In the international stage, she will be in the front row, a PM who can connect the Muslim world and the west. Everyone will want to be her friends. She is a gifted Orator, her clarity in her words and speech is as good as Obama, for sure.
haha.... Nobel Peace Prize nomination and she might get it.
The refugee quota is still the same. Actually, a family reunion is a channel for more refugees, if it is controlled, it is a good thing.
Global uncertainties, in fact, will bring out the good in NZ and i think out of the worst, NZ will emerge to be a preferred country in the next few years.
A new surge of immigration might not be from Chinese, it might be more balance from other countries, maybe that is what Labour and Winston want. The next political party will not be using "Chinese sounding names". they probably will use some other terminology.
haha.... it might not be politically correct to say that anymore.
One thing for sure is, PM's leadership is affirmed and will bring about confidence into the market. People who are still sitting on the "wait and see" lists, maybe is time to take action. In 1-2 years time, you won't be talking about CV price anymore. haha... that is how wealth is created while the opportunity is still there.