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Proposal to attract 2000 foreign high-net worthers to invest at least $50m each gaining momentum. Photo / Getty Images

Investment banker proposes giving rich-listers visa if they invest $50m

Publish Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2020, 6:49pm

A new scheme to attract foreign investors to New Zealand is being labelled as a potential reward for Kiwi’s lockdown efforts.

Investment banker Troy Bowker has proposed the scheme which offers high-net worthers the opportunity to each invest at least $50 million to create jobs in return for a New Zealand visa.

"You'd have to stay in New Zealand for a minimum of five years," he told Heather du Plessis-Allan, and says they'd have to invest assets into businesses that employ people.

Bowker says the idea would give investors an opportunity to relocate to New Zealand with their immediate family.

Its only limitation is New Zealand becoming covid-19 free.

Bowker says Kiwis should benefit from the sacrifices made during lockdown.

"Whatr we've created is a huge amount of what I'd call intellectual property, and that's an asset that's been paid for by all New Zealanders with all their hard work."