Growing numbers of wealthy Americans are reportedly seeking to leave California, paying as much as $5 million to secure New Zealand's investor "golden visa" scheme rather than remain under Governor Gavin Newsom's leadership. The trend reflects deepening dissatisfaction among some of the US's richest and most successful individuals with the state's political and economic climate, prompting them to relocate to a far smaller, more remote economy on the other side of the world.

The report highlights New Zealand's investor visa route, which grants residency to those able to make substantial financial investments in the country, as an increasingly popular option for affluent Californians looking to exit. While New Zealand is described as economically modest compared with California, its stability and lifestyle appeal are said to be outweighing concerns about its smaller market, with high-net-worth individuals apparently willing to pay a premium for the move.