Michele,

There are a couple of additional visa avenues that might appeal. First is for employees of relocating businesses, the second for 'business investors'. Alternatively, there is the long term business visa (LTBV).

You can only apply for the business relocation visa if you are not elligible for any other visa category... but if you can apply it would allow you to live in NZ whilst you relocate the business... Note that you wont get far without the support and approval of New Zealand Trade & Enterprise... and the stats show that they dont issue many of these at all.

We're currently working our way through a business investor visa which gives you the freedom to do what you want in NZ - you will need 'senior business experience' (or ownership of a business) plus suitable funds (not as much as you might think - if you can find enough points for business experience).

I would suggest the LTBV should be your last resort... it sets the bar quite high in terms of the required paperwork AND most importantly you have to follow your approved business plan and demonstrate at the end of the period that you have been 'successful'. Only when you have done this can you then apply for an Entrepreneurs visa which will eventually give you the Residency you desire. Very long winded - but in place for obvious reasons.

All of the business visas cost more than the 'normal' migrant visas but not much more... I believe they give far more flexibility particularly if you want to run your own business.

Alan.