New Zealand nationality law

Citizenship Ceremony, Wellington

New Zealand nationality law determines who is and who is not a New Zealand citizen. The legal status of New Zealand citizenship is defined by the Citizenship Act 1977, which replaced the British Nationality and New Zealand Citizenship Act 1948. The administration of nationality law is managed by the Department of Internal Affairs. New Zealand nationality law details the conditions under which a person holds New Zealand nationality, which includes citizenship by birth, descent, grant, and adoption.

History

New Zealand nationality law has evolved significantly over the past century. Initially, New Zealanders were considered British subjects, as were all citizens of the British Empire. The concept of New Zealand nationality emerged after the Second World War, leading to the enactment of the British Nationality and New Zealand Citizenship Act 1948. This Act established New Zealand citizenship as a distinct status. In 1977, the Citizenship Act was passed, further defining New Zealand citizenship and its acquisition.

Acquisition of Citizenship

New Zealand citizenship can be acquired in several ways:

By Birth

Under the Citizenship Act 1977, a person born in New Zealand on or after January 1, 2006, is a New Zealand citizen by birth if at least one parent is a New Zealand citizen or entitled to reside in New Zealand indefinitely. Children born overseas to New Zealand citizens by descent must be registered to obtain citizenship.

By Descent

A child born outside New Zealand is a New Zealand citizen by descent if at the time of their birth, at least one of their parents was a New Zealand citizen other than by descent. To maintain citizenship by descent for future generations, a citizen by descent must apply to register their citizenship before having a child overseas.

By Grant

Citizenship by grant is available to those who have met certain residence requirements and intend to live in New Zealand. Applicants must have been present in New Zealand for a minimum period, understand the responsibilities and privileges of New Zealand citizenship, and be of good character.

By Adoption

Children adopted by New Zealand citizens, either domestically or internationally, may acquire New Zealand citizenship, depending on the circumstances of the adoption and the laws of New Zealand.

Dual Citizenship

New Zealand allows its citizens to hold dual citizenship. This means that New Zealanders can hold citizenship of another country without losing their New Zealand citizenship. However, some countries do not permit their citizens to hold dual citizenship.

Loss of Citizenship

New Zealand citizenship can be lost through renunciation, deprivation, or other specific legal circumstances. Renunciation is available to those who wish to give up their New Zealand citizenship, usually because they are or intend to become a citizen of another country. Deprivation of citizenship is rare and usually occurs due to fraud or disloyalty to New Zealand.

Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens

New Zealand citizens have the right to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely, vote in elections, stand for public office, and receive consular protection abroad. They also have responsibilities, such as obeying the laws of New Zealand, serving on a jury if called, and defending New Zealand if required.

See Also

• Citizenship
• Immigration to New Zealand
• Passport
• Dual citizenship