11. MARTIN GALLAGHER (Labour—Hamilton West) to the Minister of Immigration: Has he received any reports proposing new immigration categories?

Hon SHANE JONES (Associate Minister of Immigration) on behalf of the Minister of Immigration: Yes, I have seen a report from the National Party that shows it would like to make Kiwi citizens returning home a new category of immigrant. Nationals immigration policy, one of the few that Labour has not been burdened with having to release, proposes setting up a new layer of bureaucracy under Immigration New Zealand. While the mokopuna leader says no bureaucracy, the rearguard kaumātua say more bureaucracy.

Martin Gallagher: Has the Minister received reports about any other proposed new immigration categories?

Hon SHANE JONES: Yes, indeed I have. I have seen a report that proposes to establish a new retirement visa for high-net-worth people, possibly some in Kaipara. I have also seen a report entitled The Feasibility of Introducing Retirement Visas, recommending that retirement visas not be introduced because the potential risks will clearly outweigh the potential benefits. The first of these reports is the National Partys immigration policy released by Dr Lockwood Smith. The other report is a briefing dated 20 October 1999 and signed by Dr Lockwood Smith, Associate Minister of Immigration. Dr Smith rejected the idea back then, but is promoting it as a new idea. That member is not only swallowing after masticating, but regurgitating dead fish.

Dr the Hon Lockwood Smith: I seek leave to table a document entitled Draft Cabinet Paper Immigration Investment Policy that states the Ministers of Immigration and Finance have been recommending not bothering with investment criteria, and simply selling residency at a high price.
Leave granted.