The Government's lead economic adviser has warned a new policy aimed at attracting more migrants to Wanganui will achieve nothing.
Documents released under the Official Information Act state Treasury told Finance Minister Bill English on July 16 that the new measures were unlikely to help regional development.
The policy went to Cabinet for approval on July 20 and an increase in bonus points on residency requests was announced on July 26.
Under the revised scheme, skilled workers who take jobs in the regions or set up businesses there will get additional points to help their residency requests.
Pressed on how many migrants might be attracted to the regions by the policy change, Prime Minister John Key said: "We can't tell you exactly. It will make it certainly more attractive ... I do know that there is capacity in the regions, that there is demand in the regions."
However, the Treasury briefing to Mr English warned that most migrants did not go to non-urban areas.
Of those in the Skilled Migrant Category who had jobs or a job offer in 2013-14, 47 per cent were based in Auckland, 18 per cent in Canterbury, 11 per cent in Wellington and 5 per cent in Waikato.
The briefing also said there was no mechanism to ensure migrants stayed in regions after they claim the bonus points.
"Once a migrant has a residence class visa, they are free to move around the country as they choose."
The few extra bonus points was unlikely to push over the line many migrants who weren't currently meeting requirements.
Meanwhile, the man leading Wanganui's economic development, Adrian Dixon, is confident locals can work with the Government to create a more prosperous and populous community.
Mr Dixon, manager at Whanganui and Partners, said the district had many economic opportunities to attract immigrants, as well as New Zealanders from around the country.
They had been identified in the Manawatu-Whanganui Growth Study which focused on opportunities including tourism and visitor services, sheep and beef farming and processing, manuka honey and fresh vegetables.
Mr Dixon said the district and region will work with central Government, and any policy developed by the Government to help attract migrants.