Mediawatch: Media management helped the government's new 'golden visas' into the headlines, but it also got obscured by the ACT leader's antics.
The article from RNZ's Mediawatch discusses the controversy surrounding New Zealand's 'golden visa' program, officially known as the Investor 1 and Investor 2 visas, which allow wealthy individuals to gain residency by investing significant sums in the country. The program has come under scrutiny following a report by the Financial Times highlighting potential security risks due to the lack of transparency and the possibility of these visas being used for money laundering or by individuals with dubious backgrounds. The debate has been fueled by political reactions and public discourse, with some talkback radio hosts and politicians arguing that the criticism is overblown or politically motivated. The discussion has highlighted the tension between economic benefits from foreign investment and national security concerns, with calls for more stringent checks and transparency in the visa granting process. However, the conversation has often been clouded by political rhetoric and sensationalism, obscuring a nuanced examination of the visa program's implications.
Politics & Government
Sun, February 16, 2025
