Overseas investment decision for case 200620023 - Cannon (Timothy Hall) & Refo (Miles Permenter)

To acquire:

1. an interest in land which, either alone or together with any associated land of that type, exceeds 0.4 hectares and is or includes a historic place, historic area, wahi tapu, or wahi tapu area that is registered or for which there is an application or proposal for registration under the Historic Places Act 1993; and
2. an interest in land which, either alone or together with any associated land of that type, exceeds 0.4 hectares and is or includes land subject to a heritage order, or a requirement for a heritage order, under the Resource Management Act 1991 or by the Historic Places Trust under the Historic Places Act 1993; and
3. an interest in land which, either alone or together with any associated land of that type, is or includes non-urban land and exceeds 5 hectares in area.

The application has been approved as it met the criteria.

The Overseas Investment Office is satisfied that the Applicants have business experience and acumen relevant to and are demonstrating financial commitment towards the investment. The Overseas Investment Office is further satisfied that the Applicants are of good character and not the kind of persons referred to in section 7(1) of the Immigration Act 1987.

The Applicants propose to acquire the land which contains Otahuna Lodge, which operates as a luxury lodge providing superior accommodation, food and beverages, and an events venue. The Applicants intend to operate and further develop a viable and successful hospitality business.

The Applicants intend to reside in New Zealand indefinitely upon the acquisition of the Lodge. The Applicants have lodged an Expression of Interest for New Zealand permanent residency under the Skilled Migrant category.