New Zealand immigration authorities have just announced changes to the Investor Visa category that should hopefully put it within reach of more international movers from Britain.

One visa is open to under-65s with three years’ business experience, and requires an investment of £658,000 (NZ$1.5m) over four years. The other has no age or business restrictions, but requires an investment of £4m (NZ$10m) over three years, plus settlement funds of NZ$1.5m.

Investments must be made into particular products, such as government bonds, corporate bonds, equities and managed funds to qualify.

“Business migration needs to be urgently addressed, and stakeholders’ feedback has been extremely positive regarding this new package,” said Dr Jonathan Coleman, New Zealand’s immigration minister.

Ben Southall made headlines around the world when he scooped the “Best Job in the World” competition organized by Tourism Queensland, to become caretaker to the islands of the Great Barrier Reef. Ben beat 34,000 rivals from over 200 different countries for the position, and called in the overseas removals to begin his job last July.

Ben’s prize-winning role involves various responsibilities. “The job really is acting as an ambassador for Tourism Queensland. My main focus is having all of these wonderful experiences and writing about them in my blog.” Other responsibilities include speaking at corporate events and meeting members of parliament and tourism officials to discuss the campaign.

He has also been photographed for Aussie Bum surf clothing and participated in a live interview while diving in an aquarium for UK TV.

So far he has become an advanced diver, watched whales swim past his house; sailed and kayaked around the Whitsunday islands, met koalas, been diving with sharks, raced cars, ran the ‘Whitsunday Great Walk,’ a 28km undulating track through the forest finishing in Airlie Beach, and he’s now training for the Hamilton Island Triathlon at the end of November.

“It’s all great fun!” Ben insists. “My job is very busy, more so than anyone thought it would be, but I like that. I’m not the sort of person who can sit still anyway, so it fits me perfectly. Other people might find it too busy, though.

International movers aren’t always savvy when it comes to knowing about the support of your own embassy; here’s a handful of pointers to remind you of why they’re here..,

1. If you lose your passport

If your passport is lost or stolen they can issue you with a replacement one or, in some situations, an emergency travel document.

2. If you’re a victim of crime

They can help you get medical attention if you need it, contact your family and friends to let them know what has happened, and give you a list of local lawyers and interpreters.

3. If you have to go into hospital

They can help you liaise with your insurance company or a medical evacuation company and can contact your family and friends to let them know what has happened. They can also help if someone dies.

4. If you need emergency funds

They can give you information on how to transfer money from the UK.

5. If you’re arrested

In some countries you’re not entitled to call a lawyer, but you are legally entitled to call your nearest embassy wherever you are arrested. The British embassy can put you in touch with lawyers and contact your friends and family at home.

Visit www.fco.gov.uk for more information