Student to [eventual] Citizenship?
 

I am a 33-year-old single male who is looking to relocate from the US to NZ in the next 24-months and would greatly appreciate your feedback.

I should be able to bring enough cash to net approximately $5,500NZ monthly (assuming 7% interest from a NZ bank and 33% Income Taxes) in fixed income.

My initial plan is to reinvent myself by going to a major university as an international student. I would like to peruse a law, business, or an IT degree (recently accepted to UoA Law for the upcoming semester) although I will be ancient compared to the average student. Regardless of how outstanding my grades are, I fear my age may prevent me form being considered by most employers. Furthermore, being an American may be a negative as well. These are both issues I am currently clueless about. Assuming reinvention is a viable option, I would then hope to achieve residency and citizenship after graduating and working the requisite number of years for a NZ employer.

The second option would be to enter the country on a Long Term Business Visa and Permit, leading to gaining residence under the Entrepreneur category. This would require a minimum investment of 25% in a business operating in NZ (seems very achievable) or the creation of a new enterprise. I would prefer to spend a good deal of time learning the culture before making a sizable business investment and that is the main logic behind beginning as an international student.

Do these seem like viable options in my position or total lunacy?

Any constructive criticism will be greatly appreciated.