The government has announced today that visitor visa requirements will be relaxed to allow tourists to work remotely while visiting New Zealand.

“The change is part of the Government’s plan to unlock New Zealand’s potential by shifting the country onto a faster growth track,” Nicola Willis says. It’s Willis’ first announcement within the role of Economic Growth Minister.

“Tourism is New Zealand’s second-largest export earner, generating revenue of almost $11 billion and creating nearly 200,000 jobs.

“Making the country more attractive to ‘digital nomads’ – people who work remotely while travelling – will boost New Zealand’s attractiveness as a destination.”

These digital nomads include visitors like IT specialists who can work remotely while in New Zealand, provided they aren’t receiving any income from New Zealand sources.

Willis says the new rules aim to bring in high-value tourists, mainly from the United States and Asia. “Many countries offer digital nomad visas, and the list is growing, so we need to keep pace to ensure New Zealand is an attractive destination for people who want to ‘workcation’ abroad,” Willis says.

“Compared to other kinds of visitors, international remote workers have the potential to spend more time and money in New Zealand, including during the shoulder season.”

In response, Labour’s finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds says Willis has chosen to loosen restrictions for digital nomads from other countries rather than focus on everyday Kiwis.

“The fact that Nicola Willis is offering benefits to visitors that she won’t even allow New Zealanders shows exactly where her priorities lie,”

“I don’t have a problem with tweaks here and there so we can ensure we have a good investment in New Zealand, but I do have a problem with Nicola Willis’ double standards.

“National is choosing to prioritise visitors to New Zealand instead of tackling the urgent challenges facing Kiwis today. Nicola Willis doesn’t even know how many people will benefit from these changes or have an estimate as to how much our economy will grow.

“With rising rents, workforce shortages, and businesses crying out for more support, this announcement shows a lack of focus on the real issues affecting our economy.

“On one hand, she’s begging foreigners to come here to work from home while implementing strict policies on Kiwi public servants to stop them from doing the same.

“We need real long-term solutions for economic growth that provide the jobs of Kiwis, not a short-term sugar hit.”

Economic and Tourism Benefits of the Visa Changes

Relaxing visitor visa rules to attract digital nomads has the potential to generate significant economic benefits for New Zealand.

By encouraging long-term visitors, the government aims to boost revenue in tourism-related industries such as hospitality, transport, and local services.

Countries like Portugal and Estonia have reported millions in additional revenue from similar policies, and New Zealand could follow suit by tapping into this growing demographic.

Experts suggest that these workers typically spend more than average tourists, contributing to economic activity during the off-peak seasons. Additionally, this policy may help diversify New Zealand’s tourism portfolio, reducing reliance on traditional short-term holidaymakers.

While the new policy offers potential economic gains, it is not without challenges.

Increased demand for housing from long-term visitors may exacerbate rental shortages, particularly in regions already struggling with affordable accommodation.

Questions remain about how income restrictions for digital nomads will be enforced, potentially placing an administrative burden on immigration and compliance services.

Critics also warn of the environmental impact of prolonged tourism, which could strain natural resources and infrastructure. Balancing these risks with the expected benefits will require careful monitoring and adjustments to ensure sustainable outcomes.

New Zealand’s unique advantages—such as its pristine natural landscapes, high quality of life, and relative safety—could set it apart from nations with similar visas already, as it is an attractive destination.

While competitors focus on affordability and tech infrastructure, New Zealand could position itself as a premium destination for remote workers who value a balance of productivity and leisure.

Offering competitive perks, such as streamlined visa processing or access to co-working spaces, could further solidify its appeal in the international market.

Criticism of the policy centres on the perceived inequity between benefits offered to visitors and restrictions faced by New Zealand workers.

Labour spokesperson Barbara Edmonds highlighted the double standard of allowing digital nomads to work remotely while public servants are restricted from doing the same.

Expanding remote work options for Kiwis could address this disparity while potentially increasing workforce participation and productivity. Focusing on creating jobs within New Zealand’s economy would ensure that economic growth is inclusive and supports local communities.

This policy could provide much-needed economic opportunities for New Zealand’s regional areas. Smaller towns and rural regions often miss out on the benefits of tourism concentrated in major cities like Auckland and Wellington.

By attracting digital nomads to explore beyond urban hubs, the government could encourage spending in lesser-known destinations, helping local businesses and communities thrive. Offering incentives such as regional co-working hubs or discounts on long-term accommodations in these

areas could ensure that the economic benefits of the policy are distributed more equitably across the country.

A Focus on High Value Tourists

The focus on attracting “high-value tourists” suggests an emphasis on individuals with higher disposable incomes and the ability to stay longer in New Zealand. These workers, particularly from sectors like IT, content creation, and design, align with the global trend of knowledge-based remote work.

The government has not yet clarified the specific criteria for eligibility, but targeting these industries could bring not only financial gains but also opportunities for collaboration and skill-sharing with local professionals.

More transparency about what defines a “high-value” tourist would help address concerns about the policy’s fairness and inclusivity.

Reactions from stakeholders such as tourism operators, hospitality businesses, and industry groups have been largely positive, with many seeing the policy as a way to stimulate economic growth.

Tourism Industry Aotearoa, for example, has welcomed the initiative, noting the potential for longer visitor stays and higher spending.

However, some local businesses may worry about how this influx of remote workers could impact their access to resources like housing or broadband infrastructure.

Engaging with these stakeholders regularly will be essential to refining the policy and addressing any unforeseen consequences.

For this policy to succeed, significant investment in infrastructure will be necessary. High-speed internet access, reliable public transport, and co-working spaces are critical to making New Zealand a competitive option for digital nomads.

Creating affordable and accessible long-term accommodation options will ensure that these workers can stay comfortably without putting undue pressure on residents.

Public-private partnerships could play a vital role in expanding these resources, especially in regional areas where digital nomads could help bridge the gap in seasonal economic activity.

Beyond economic gains, digital nomads bring a unique opportunity for cultural exchange. Their presence can introduce new perspectives, ideas, and skills to local communities, fostering a richer and more diverse cultural landscape.

By interacting with residents and engaging in local activities, these visitors could contribute to mutual learning experiences and greater global awareness.

Programs encouraging community involvement—such as volunteering or participating in cultural events—could help integrate digital nomads into New Zealand society and strengthen the country’s reputation as an inclusive, globally connected destination.

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