Wealthy Californians are fleeing the Golden State’s punishing policies for the snow-capped Southern Alps in New Zealand. 5 For those who want to disappear from the California spotlight, New Zealand’s Queenstown is proving attractive. Lachlan Nixon, founding partner of venture capital firm Motion Capital, told the FT that having the “golden visa “is becoming a badge of honor in Silicon Valley.” Gavin Newsom has opposed the state-only tax, warning that it could drive wealthy residents and their businesses out of California. “It is becoming a badge of honour in Silicon Valley,” said Lachlan Nixon, founding partner of venture capital firm Motion Capital.