Richard Howard Joins Global Law Experts as New Zealand Immigration Specialist

Welcome Richard Howard

Global Law Experts is pleased to welcome Richard Howard as our Exclusive Member for Immigration in New Zealand. Based in the Waikato region and leading Pathways To New Zealand, Richard brings a wealth of practical insight and a deep understanding of New Zealand immigration pathways that will benefit clients across the globe. This appointment reinforces our commitment to connecting clients with highly skilled practitioners who combine regional expertise with international perspective.

Background and professional journey

Richard Howard has dedicated more than three decades to New Zealand immigration advisory work. He established Pathways to New Zealand in 1992, one of the early firms focused on international immigration and investment migration. He holds an IAA Licensed Immigration Adviser number 200800071, a credential that reflects compliance with professional standards and ongoing accountability in immigration practice. Richard has been a life member of the New Zealand Association for Migration & Investment Inc NZAMI and served as Chairman during the period when the immigration advice industry transitioned to a Government regulated regime in 2007 2008. His leadership during that regulatory shift is frequently cited as contributing to the robust, licensed framework that now governs immigration advisers in New Zealand. In addition, he has participated in immigration adviser qualification development groups and served on the Immigration Advisers Authority Industry Reference Group, underscoring his long standing involvement in policy discussions and industry governance. Before Pathways, Richard worked as a financial analyst with the New Zealand Government Development Finance Corporation, a background that informs his focus on investor and business immigration along with client service excellence. These experiences collectively position him as a trusted adviser for clients navigating complex visa, investment and relocation decisions.

• IAA Licensed Immigration Adviser No 200800071
• Life member and former Chairman of NZAMI
• Extensive history in policy discussions and industry governance
• Background in financial analysis with a focus on investment immigration
• Longstanding commitment to client relationships and practical outcomes

Pathways To New Zealand firm profile

Pathways To New Zealand Ltd is a prominent immigration advisory practice with a long history of serving clients worldwide. The firm describes itself as having over 150 years of combined immigration experience and a team of 12 Licensed Immigration Advisers, highlighting the breadth and depth of its capabilities. Richard Howard serves as Managing Director and Licensed Immigration Adviser, directing a portfolio that emphasizes business and investor immigration while maintaining a strong emphasis on personal client contact. The firm operates from offices in Hamilton and Wellington, reflecting a nationwide footprint and a capability to service clients across New Zealand while engaging international clients seeking New Zealand immigration opportunities. The team page and staff profiles further illustrate a collaborative structure designed to deliver comprehensive support across all common visa categories and related matters. Pathways to New Zealand’s model centers on long term client relationships, a guiding principle that aligns well with Global Law Experts emphasis on trusted, client focused service.

• Over 150 years of combined immigration experience
• 12 Licensed Immigration Advisers including Richard Howard
• Offices in Hamilton and Wellington
• Strong focus on investor and business immigration
• Client oriented approach with direct adviser contact for investor clients

Practice Areas and immigration focus

The core focus of Richard Howard and Pathways To New Zealand is immigration advisory across a broad spectrum of visa pathways. The firm emphasizes its capability to handle everything from visitor visas and work visas to residence options and citizenship processes, with a particular strength in investor and business immigration. Richard’s leadership role means that investor clients often liaise directly with him for all matters related to their immigration requirements, enabling tailored, strategic planning throughout the lifecycle of a visa application. The firm also notes involvement with policy discussions and regulatory development, which enhances its ability to anticipate changes in immigration policy and adjust client strategies accordingly. This depth of experience is especially valuable for clients considering complex pathways such as investor visas, entrepreneurial or business migration schemes, and strategic moves involving residency criteria. In addition to operational immigration work, Richard has actively participated in promoting and explaining New Zealand investor programs through international forums and events, underscoring a commitment to informed decision making for clients around the world.

• Visitor, work and residence visa pathways
• Investor and business immigration expertise
• Student visas and family related pathways as part of a holistic migration plan
• Immigration appeals and problem solving for complex cases
• Policy engagement and industry governance for a proactive practice

Regional and international relevance

New Zealand remains a focal point for global mobility, investment, and talent attraction. Richard Howard’s work with Pathways to New Zealand demonstrates a sustained engagement with both domestic regulatory developments and international investor interest. His active participation in investor migration programs, including efforts to promote New Zealand residency pathways to international audiences, illustrates a commitment to bridging regional expertise with global mobility needs. The firm’s footprint in Hamilton and Wellington positions it to support regional clients while its advisory focus encompasses cross border considerations that are central to Global Law Experts clients seeking immigration advice connected to New Zealand. Richard’s leadership in investor migration matters aligns with international trends toward streamlined pathways for skilled migrants and investors, making his profile particularly relevant for Global Law Experts’ international audience seeking reliable, experience driven guidance on New Zealand immigration matters.

A welcomed addition to Global Law Experts

Richard Howard brings a distinct and heavily practical perspective to Global Law Experts as an immigration specialist focused on New Zealand. His deep experience with investor and business migration, his leadership within a prominent New Zealand immigration practice, and his ongoing engagement with policy and industry governance collectively reinforce his suitability for the Exclusive Member role. For Global Law Experts clients and colleagues alike, his presence within the network signals access to a high touch, client centered advisor who can navigate the nuanced regulatory environment of New Zealand immigration while understanding the broader implications for cross border mobility and investment strategies. The collaboration with Pathways to New Zealand further strengthens Global Law Experts broad network by aligning a well established practitioner with a world class international platform dedicated to connecting clients with top tier legal talent across jurisdictions.

As the relationship between Global Law Experts and Richard Howard continues to grow, clients can anticipate a seamless blend of regional expertise in New Zealand immigration with the global perspective and collaborative approach that define Global Law Experts. Richard’s focus on investor and business immigration, his track record of client service, and his active engagement with industry governance collectively position him to deliver consistently strong outcomes for individuals, families and businesses pursuing migration opportunities involving New Zealand.