The purpose of this Act is to manage immigration in a way that balances the national interest and the rights of individuals. You need to hold a visa to travel to New Zealand and to stay in New Zealand. The Act sets rules and criteria for the grant of visas and entry permission. The Act aims to contribute to the New Zealand workforce by facilitating access to skills and labour, and to support families. It also manages persons crossing the border by setting requirements for those arriving or departing from New Zealand. The Act provides a process for implementing international obligations related to immigration. The Act includes mechanisms to ensure compliance with its requirements, such as enabling immigration officers to gather information and prescribing the system for deporting people who fail to comply. It establishes a specialist tribunal to consider appeals against decisions made under this Act. The Act supports the settlement of migrants, refugees, and protected persons, and enables a levy to be charged to fund conservation or tourism costs. The Act has different parts that work together to manage immigration in New Zealand. You can find more information about the rules and criteria for visas and entry permission in the immigration instructions. The Act is regularly updated to reflect changes in immigration policies and laws.