A US artist and her family secure New Zealand residency despite complex medical and financial history
Client Profile
Our client was looking to relocate to New Zealand with their spouse and 10 year-old daughter, while their 19 year-old son will remain in New York to continue his Business Administration studies. The ultimate goal is to obtain a stable first class new citizenship in addition to their current U.S. citizenship.
Why New Zealand AIP
The NZ AIP program ticked all boxes:
- Ability to relocate for the client, their spouse and their 10 year-old daughter.
- Being able to include their 19 year-old son without having him relocate so that he can finish his studies in NY and choose later where he wishes to live (broadening his employment opportunities).
- A Permanent Residency program, thereby giving the family certainty and security of obtaining hassle-free permanent residence so that they can make long-term plans in their new home country.
- The assurance to be on a stable path towards citizenship in one of the top countries - that would permit any individual within the family to renounce U.S. citizenship in the future if they feel the need to do so, in particular given that NZ passport holders do not need traditional visas to visit the U.S. for stays under 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program.
- No language barriers and good education was paramount to ensure their 10 year-old daughter could adjust seamlessly.
- Thinking ahead, their daughter will obtain citizenship when she is around 15 year-old and will have the right to live, work and study in Australia indefinitely.
- Top healthcare.
- Quality of life.
Obstacles & Complications
Medical History
The client had a history of heart disease although fully recovered to date. This raised a number of questions from Immigration New Zealand. We took the time to understand their medical history so that the client could secure appointments with doctors in the U.S. to obtain medical reports and get testing done to satisfy Immigration New Zealand.
Source of Funds
Separately, the source of the nominated funds that the client used to invest in New Zealand was complex. Part of the funds originated from family trusts that was established for the client when they were merely a child, explaining that the client was not fully aware of how the funds were specifically used and invested to become the wealth that they own today. Also involved were funds from inheritance, and funds from sale of a business and real assets. Then funds were then invested in several mutual funds and investments accounts that the client used for the purpose of the NZAIP program.
We guided the client through taking a pragmatic approach and understanding their family history. We also liaised with their U.S. financial advisers and accountants to assess what documents were available to submit a compelling application.
Had They Tried Other Advisors?
Other advisors would ask for numerous supporting documents regarding the source of funds without taking into account the history and special circumstances of the case. The client wasted time searching for documents that could no longer be located, was told to obtain letters from trustees no longer living etc. In short, the client was getting frustrated and discouraged for being asked to find a needle in a hay stack - and almost gave up on their NZ dream.
What Made Our Approach Different
We also act as a bridge between the client's international financial advisers and carefully selected NZ financial advisers. We have a keen interest to understand the client's investment objectives to ensure that the investment they make are aligned with the risk profile that they and their international financial advisers express. Our goal is not to have a client for 3 or 5 years, but for a lifetime. With this in sight, we are always able to provide additional support that the clients need, whether it is finding accommodation, finding a school or a local doctor, HLG is there to support.
Results
| Start date | 24 January 2026 |
| Approval date | 23 February 2026 |
| Processing time | 1 month (vs. 3 months usually) |
| Investment | NZD 5,000,000 — Growth Category |
| Family included | Spouse + 2 children |
| Issues resolved | Medical Issues / Source of Funds Issues |
| Current status | Still in the U.S. — Planning to relocate in about 6 months. Investment now in progress. |
| Still working with Harvey? | Yes — NZ AIP |
Contact us
With over 30 years of immigration experience, each of Harvey Law Group’s lawyers carefully studies each client’s needs, resources and determines the immigration solution that best aligns with our client’s vision and values.