Find out whether your New Zealand property purchase is likely to require the additional OIO consent.
Once you have secured your Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa, you can begin exploring property purchase opportunities in New Zealand. It’s important to note that all AIP visa holders require Overseas Investment Office (OIO) approval to buy property in New Zealand.
There is a standard fast‑track check, which focuses primarily on the applicant and the property’s proximity to any sensitive security sites (for example, a home bordering an embassy). A second, more detailed, and more costly assessment is required if the AIP visa holder wishes to purchase property classified as sensitive land. This post focuses on that latter process.
Some properties in New Zealand are classified as sensitive based on factors such as land size, proximity to bodies of water, and the presence of cultural or historic sites. Properties bordering water are commonly deemed sensitive and are also highly sought after, so some AIP clients may decide it’s worth applying to the OIO for approval to purchase them. My strong recommendation is to engage an experienced lawyer who specialises in OIO applications to manage the process. Please be aware that this type of application often costs tens of thousands of dollars, and approval is not guaranteed, although successful outcomes do occur for AIP visa holders.
To help you understand whether your intended purchase might require this additional OIO consent, we’ve created a simple guidance tool. This tool provides an initial indication only; it should not replace personalised legal or professional advice. We work closely with trusted advisors who can support you with detailed guidance throughout your property acquisition process.
🇳🇿 OIO Consent Decision Flow
Determine if Overseas Investment Office consent is likely required for your New Zealand land or marine investment
Why this matters
Australian and Singaporean citizens have special residential land exemptions under free trade agreements. All other nationalities generally require OIO consent or an exemption pathway for residential purchases.
Understanding asset types
Land-based: Any property where you’re buying land (freehold or leasehold over sensitive land).
Marine/aquaculture: Water-space rights for farming in the ocean, not land ownership. These have separate OIO rules.
Help me choose the right category
Residential: Houses, apartments, townhouses, bare residential sections, lifestyle blocks used primarily as a home.
Working farm/rural: Sheep/beef farms, dairy farms, vineyards, orchards, forestry – land that generates income from farming or primary production.
Commercial/Industrial: Office buildings, retail shops, warehouses, factories, hotels.
Bare land (non-productive): Undeveloped land not currently used for residential or production purposes.
Help with land area
5 hectares = 50,000 m² = 12.4 acres
This is the total area of the land parcel(s) you are acquiring. Check the title documents or certificate of title for the exact area.
Understanding urban vs non-urban land
For land ≥5 hectares, it’s “non-urban” (and therefore sensitive) unless it is BOTH:
- Located in an established urban area (city/town), AND
- Actually used for commercial, industrial, or residential purposes
Examples of NON-URBAN (sensitive if ≥5ha):
- Farm land (always non-urban, regardless of location)
- Rural lifestyle blocks
- Vacant or undeveloped land
- Forestry land
- Land in “Future Urban” or transition zones
Examples of possibly URBAN:
- Large commercial/industrial site in established city/town
- Residential subdivision within urban boundaries
When in doubt for land ≥5ha, it’s safest to assume it’s non-urban.
What water bodies count?
Does the legal boundary of the property touch or include any of these:
- Sea, foreshore, or coastal marine area
- Lakebed or lake margin
- Riverbed or river margin
- Wetland
This is about the legal boundary on the title, not just views of water.
What are Schedule 1 thresholds?
Schedule 1 of the Overseas Investment Regulations sets area and value thresholds for waterfront land.
Generally: Ordinary residential properties (houses, apartments) are typically BELOW threshold.
More likely above: Large rural waterfront blocks, commercial waterfront estates, high-value properties.
If unsure, select “Possibly” and seek specialist advice.
What is protected land?
Does the property directly adjoin (share a boundary with):
- Department of Conservation (DOC) land
- National parks
- Scenic reserves
- Historic reserves
- Nature reserves
- Other Crown-protected conservation land
This means the property boundary physically touches protected land, not just near it.
Schedule 1 thresholds for conservation-adjacent land
Similar to waterfront land, thresholds apply for land adjoining protected conservation areas.
Typically below: Ordinary residential properties near reserves.
More likely above: Large rural blocks, commercial properties, high-value estates.
If unsure, select “Possibly” and get specialist advice.
What is primary production?
Land used for commercial production of agricultural, horticultural, or forestry products:
- Farming: Sheep, beef, dairy, deer, goats
- Viticulture: Commercial vineyards producing wine
- Horticulture: Orchards, market gardens, vegetables, flowers
- Forestry: Plantation forestry for commercial timber
- Aquaculture on land: Land-based fish farms
- Extractive: Quarries, mining operations
Not primary production: Lifestyle blocks with hobby animals/gardens for personal use only (no commercial income).
Mixed use? If it’s genuinely productive (generates commercial income), answer YES.
Related
Active Investor Plus Update by the New Zealand Government 12th Dec 2025
