Immigration Minister Lianne Dalziel's proposals to increase migrant numbers is a sound idea which had the potential to enhance New Zealand economically, socially and culturally says United New Zealand leader Hon Peter Dunne.

"I strongly welcome the Minister's commitment because it offers a unique opportunity for New Zealand to develop an integrated and comprehensive immigration and population policy."

"United New Zealand is keen to work alongside the Minister and her officials on this policy because the issue is too important and the opportunities too great for petty political point scoring.

"Where there is a will there is a way so if the proposal is well thought out and implemented cleverly then the benefits could be enormous," says Mr Dunne.

He says for too long immigration policy has operated in a vacuum with ad-hoc decisions dominating policy.

"United has long advocated a comprehensive policy of setting a minimum 50,000 immigration approvals per year; removing discriminatory language tests for potential new immigrants; establishing a one-stop Migrant Business Development Agency and developing pro-active migration settlement policies.

"The Minister's proposals mirror many of these policies.

"It is refreshing to see a Minister of Immigration taking a modern, lateral approach to immigration policy, and I look forward to working with her to develop an enduring, comprehensive policy that will serve the needs and aspirations of New Zealand, its citizens and new migrants," concludes Mr Dunne.

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