@christopherluxonmp We want to attract and retain skilled migrants to drive economic growth. We’re introducing a new five-year multiple entry visitor visa for parents of NZ citizens and residents – The Parent Boost Visa. #fyp #nz #newzealand ♬ original sound - Christopher Luxon

The Geography of Belonging : Home Is Where You Stand

Jason Mraz’s “Be Where Your Feet Are” adds a surprisingly fitting emotional layer to New Zealand’s new visa pathways. At its core, the song is about grounding yourself, returning to presence, and choosing the place that aligns with who you are now—not who you were. That message mirrors the government’s invitation to expats: a gentle reminder that home isn’t just a location, but a moment you step back into with intention. For many New Zealanders abroad, these new visas create the chance to “be where their feet are” again—on Aotearoa soil, reconnecting with whānau, purpose, and the landscape that shaped them.

🎶 🇳🇿 ✈️ 🌏 🛂 💼 🏡 🌄 🤝 📈 ✨ 🧭 📣 🔊 Be Where Your Feet Are - Jason Mraz

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“We are all visitors to this time, this place. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love… and then we return home.” — Dame Whina Cooper

🌟 A Call Home From Aotearoa

New Zealand is leaning into the spirit of return as it unveils two new visa pathways designed to reconnect with its global diaspora. After years of talent shortages and shifting migration patterns, the government is taking a more intentional approach—inviting expats to bring their skills, experience, and cultural fluency back to Aotearoa. The initiative signals a renewed commitment to strengthening the country’s workforce while honoring the deep ties New Zealanders maintain no matter how far they roam.

🛂 A Streamlined Pathway for Returning Kiwis

The first visa pathway focuses on easing the return process for New Zealanders who have spent several years abroad. By reducing administrative friction and simplifying eligibility requirements, the government hopes to make the transition home smoother for families and individuals. Officials say the goal is to remove barriers that previously discouraged relocation and to support citizens who want to reestablish their lives in New Zealand.

💼 A Skills‑Focused Route for Global Talent

The second pathway targets highly skilled expats—particularly those working in technology, healthcare, engineering, and other critical sectors. This route offers more flexibility around residency and long‑term settlement, aiming to attract professionals whose expertise can help future‑proof the country’s economy. Leaders emphasize that this is not just about filling roles, but about strengthening New Zealand’s global networks and innovation capacity.

🌍 Positive Reactions From Business and Cultural Leaders

Early responses from industry groups and cultural voices have been overwhelmingly optimistic. Many see the dual‑pathway approach as a strategic move that balances immediate labor needs with long‑term national growth. It’s also being celebrated as a gesture of welcome—an acknowledgment that New Zealanders abroad remain part of the nation’s story, no matter where they’ve built their lives.

🏡 Returning to the Place That Shaped Them

In the words of Dame Whina Cooper, the government hopes these new pathways will help more New Zealanders “return home”—whether that means reconnecting with whānau, contributing to national development, or rediscovering the land that shaped them. With these visa options, Aotearoa is extending an open invitation to its global community: come back, bring your experience, and help build the country’s next chapter.

#AotearoaCalling 🇳🇿 #KiwiExpatsReturn ✈️ #GlobalKiwis 🌏 #HomeToNZ 🏡 #NewVisaPaths ✨