The revamped Golden Visa is providing a major boost to the economy.

The Active Investor Plus visa's brought in $1.5 billion, with another $2.4 billion in the pipeline. 

More than 600 applications have been lodged since last April, from nearly 2,000 people. 

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford told Mike Hosking she's thrilled with those numbers. 

She says the impact for individual businesses is huge, both in capital and skills from these people. 

Stanford is also condemning New Zealand First’s remarks on the India Free Trade Agreement as racist and divisive. 

Shane Jones warned of a “butter chicken tsunami” of Indian migrants coming to New Zealand. 

The Immigration Minister told Hosking New Zealand First is selective in its rhetoric on immigration, noting its silence on the visa despite recognising its economic value. 

She says the comments were distasteful and designed to bring out the worst. 

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