The NZS.com New Zealand citizenship article contains information for migrants on becoming a New Zealand citizen, citizenship application, dual citizenship and immigration to NZ.

Who can become a New Zealand citizen?

When making a new life in a new country it seems natural to express your commitment to your adopted homeland by becoming a citizen. In addition it is reassuring to know that by becoming a New Zealand citizen you have the irrefutable right of lawful abode and protection in your country of choice. In 1948 New Zealand citizenship became a statutory reality, although citizens remained British Subjects until 1977.

For children born in New Zealand...

Prior to 2006, children born in New Zealand were automatically New Zealand citizens at birth. From 2006, children born in New Zealand acquire New Zealand citizenship at birth only if at least one of their parents is a New Zealand citizen or has permanent residency. Thus children born in NZ to parents who are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents can claim citizenship rights.

For migrants to New Zealand...

For those who have made New Zealand their home at a later stage of life, there are processes which determine whether the grant of NZ citizenship may be awarded:

• For those who legally resided in New Zealand for three years prior to 21st April 2005, application for grant of citizenship may be made on the basis of those three years of lawful abode in NZ.
• For those who immigrated after that date the requirement is that five years must be spent in New Zealand with a full permanent residency permit. The required standard of English must also be met.
• There are different criteria for those originating from New Zealand’s territories and their neighbours. The online Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand has some more detailed information for those seeking further enlightenment regarding the New Zealand citizenship rights of Pacific Islanders.

Dual NZ citizenship
In New Zealand dual citizenship is permitted; in other words you don't need to forgo the citizenship of your country of birth in order to receive grant of citizenship of New Zealand. There are, however, some other countries which do not permit their citizens to hold multiple citizenships.

How do I get New Zealand citizenship?

New Zealand visas and permits are administered by the New Zealand Immigration Service, while applications for grant of citizenship are dealt with by the New Zealand Citizenship office within the Department of Internal Affairs. Eligibility criteria are listed here and application forms may be downloaded from this informative Web site. NZ passports are also issued by the Department of Internal Affairs. The citizenship application process can take around eight months and culminates in a ceremony during which citizenship is officially awarded.

What happens at the ceremony?

All applicants who are awarded grant of citizenship (as opposed to those claiming citizenship by descent) must attend a ceremony during which they pledge their allegiance to New Zealand and the sovereign Queen Elizabeth the II, whilst accepting their obligation to be good citizens of New Zealand. This may take the form of the Oath of Allegiance or the Pledge of Allegiance; the former has a more religious context, the latter is more secular in tone. Children under 14 years of age are not required to attend, nor are those claiming citizenship by descent or those who were granted NZ citizenship through their mother being a New Zealand citizen.

What are the benefits of becoming a New Zealand citizen and what are my responsibilities?

New Zealand citizens enjoy full legal, social and political status. In a nutshell this means that they:

• Can't be deported
• May vote and stand for public office
• May leave and return to NZ at any time without the need for a New Zealand Visa
• May hold a New Zealand passport
• Aare entitled to consular protection overseas
• May pass their citizenship by descent to their children if born overseas
• May purchase certain rural property
• Have full access to education and may take up public service appointments
• May represent New Zealand in sporting events

In return NZ citizens are required to obey and promote the laws of New Zealand, and not act in any way that is contrary to the interests of New Zealand.

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