Description
Watch anytime, anywhere, and stay up to date with the latest developments in immigration law and policy
Now that the conference has concluded, you can still access all the insights, updates, and expert guidance with the Immigration Law Conference recordings.
As New Zealand’s leading Immigration Law conference, this flagship event brought together leading practitioners, government representatives, and industry experts to explore the latest developments shaping the immigration landscape. In its 22nd year, the conference delivered two full days of practical, in-depth content covering policy updates, legal developments, case law, compliance, and emerging issues.
The recordings are ideal for Immigration Lawyers, Licensed Immigration Advisers, HR professionals, and advisers supporting employers of migrant workers, providing flexible access to the knowledge and expertise shared at this premier event, wherever and whenever it suits you.
Earn CPD/CPD points while catching up on sessions you may have missed.
Day 2
Keynote Immigration Policy Panel
A moderated discussion with Government and Opposition spokespersons examining current immigration policy settings and the key issues shaping the upcoming election campaign.
Panellists:
- Associate Minister for Immigration Hon. Casey Costello, (NZ First)
- Hon. Phil Twyford (Labour)
- Ricardo Menendez March (Green Party)
- Dr. Parmjeet Parmar (ACT)
- Moderator: Stewart Dalley, Partner, Dalley Sundar
Best Practices for obtaining files and presenting Evidence on appeal
Privacy and OIA request:
- Why and when should you request the file-Examples
- What you can get / Withholding grounds / OIA: Organisational charts
- New classes of information (teams etc)
- Other sources of information
- Escalation when INZ withhold
- INZ’s internal guidance on what each of its contact centre and privacy team will give you
- Latest trends and statistics in their responses
- Worked examples of how files can be used in preparing IPT appeals
- How files relate to other evidence in appeals
Richard Small, Director, Pacific Legal Ltd
Compliance – employer compliance
Providing an overview of ICI’s interaction with employers to assist their compliance. This session will include an update on immigration infringements, insights from recent investigations and prosecutions as well as the work of our compliance teams.
Steve Watson, General Manager of Immigration Compliance and Investigations (ICI)
Employer accreditation and AEWV visa: risk exposure and compliance failures
Accreditation is no longer simply an entry requirement to hiring migrant workers. This session will examine the compliance landscape facing accredited employers, including common failures, emerging risk areas, and the increasing focus on post-accreditation monitoring and enforcement. This session will explore the consequences of failing to meet ongoing employer obligations and strategies for managing compliance issues.
Rachael Mason, Partner, Lane Neave
New Zealand’s Golden Visa: One Year On
The Active Investor Plus (AIP) Resident Visa has been operating under its refreshed settings for over a year, this session will take stock of how the regime is working in practice, what we are seeing from INZ, and where investor appetite is tracking since the April 2025 reforms.
We will unpack key changes to acceptable investments, including the introduction of the Growth and Balanced categories, the broader inclusion of bonds and qualifying property development, and INZ’s sharpened focus on genuinely active and value adding capital.
The session will also compare AIP versus the Business Investor Visa (BIV)—highlighting the strategic differences between a passive to active investment residence pathway and a hands on, business led route to residence, and which profile of investor each visa is now best suited to under current policy settings.
Marcus Beveridge, Managing Director, Queen City Law NZ Limited
Job Change Flexibility - Accreditation Expectations & Employer Risk
Discussing key employment law issues that frequently arise in immigration contexts, focusing on minimum code standards, wage record compliance, and annual holidays. The session will also explore the relational and practical aspects of managing employment matters involving migrant workers. In addition to the black and white statutory requirements, addressing the good faith obligations that underpin effective and lawful employer conduct. Overall, the presentation aims to equip practitioners with a clearer understanding of both compliance risks, and the human dynamics present when employment and immigration issues intersect.
Angus Drumm, Barrister to Simon Mitchell KC, Hobson Chambers
The SMC Reboot 2026: Levelling Up: Restoring Balance to Skilled Residence
For the past three years, the Skilled Migrant Category has favoured academic pathways, sidelining the trades and experienced professionals who underpin New Zealand’s economy. The new overhaul rebalances the system, restoring practical skill as a genuine pathway to residence.
With greater complexity and rising government fees, however, practitioner risk has never been higher. This session provides a clear roadmap through the new 6 point framework—helping you achieve outcomes while avoiding costly missteps.
This session will cover:
- What’s changed: How one Skilled Migrant Category became three, including the new Trades & Technicians and Skilled Experience pathways, points system updates, and changes common across all categories.
- Key complexities and pitfalls: ANZSCO job coding challenges (including AEWV legacy issues), proving overseas work experience, remuneration thresholds and variable hours, excluded roles, and navigating the Red and Amber Lists.
- Strategic future proofing: Planning ahead to secure and protect residence pathways for clients.
- Case studies: Practical examples illustrating how the new pathways work, including more challenging scenarios.
Katy Armstrong, Principal, IntoNZ
SUITED TO
Immigration Lawyers, Licensed Immigration Adviser