Newcomers need not let their talents go to waste.

New Zealand house values rose 1 per cent in the 12 months ended November 30, up from a 0.20 per cent gain in the period through October, says QV Valuations.

Two business migrants, wanting to invest $10m each in NZ and described as "serious entrepreneurs", have been given the okay to move here.

Thousands of wealthy foreigners are lining up to move to NZ, ahead of the introduction of business migration laws that will grant them residency almost immediately.

Automatic entry for Kiwis moving to Australia would be a thing of the past.

Australia and Sri Lanka have agreed to toughen measures against people smugglers.