If you have money and connections, the laws of the plebs are no longer relevant. You essentially have a right to keep and bear arms anywhere on Earth if you're rich enough.

until locals with more guns and much deeper trust affiliations with other locals decide your money is best spent as they see fit.

Would there be a better place or strategy?

All of Appalachia would be a better place. Anti-development, much more wildlife, not really an invasion target.

Back when this plan was publicized, you could legally own an AR-15 in New Zealand without much trouble.

It's still the case for bolt- and lever-action rifles and similar stuff.