NZ's immigration debate hots up ahead of Sept election

Washington

WHEN American Matthew Monahan first visited New Zealand, the Silicon Valley software developer was struck by a sense of possibility.

Seven years later, the 33-year-old is helping the government lure other foreign entrepreneurs to the bottom of the world. It's not a tough sell: the country's strong economy, relative safety, political stability and famous natural beauty attracted a record 131,000 migrants in the year to June.