Becoming a NZ citizen

A DigitalNZ Story by Zokoroa

Journey behind granting NZ citizenship from 6 Sept 1948 to those who'd either been born British subjects or naturalised (granted citizenship)

Citizenship, British subjects, Naturalisation, Citizens, Ceremonies, Nationality

On 6 September 1948, NZ passed the British Nationality and New Zealand Citizenship Act 1948 which gave New Zealand citizenship to all current residents who had been either born British subjects or later naturalised (granted citizenship). Previously, since the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, people born in the British Empire living in NZ (including Māori) and their NZ-born descendants were regarded as British subjects/citizens. Non-British were termed 'aliens' and could become citizens through naturalisation. During World War I and II, 'aliens' from countries NZ was at war with were regarded as 'suspect' and were called 'enemy aliens' with restrictions placed on their movement and employment. 

Nowadays, at public ceremonies, groups of new NZ citizens are sworn allegiance to the British monarch and loyalty to New Zealand by oath or affirmation, and are presented with their certificates. The Citizenship Office of the Department of Internal Affairs handles all applications for New Zealand citizenship.   

Image: Citizenship ceremony, Otara, 1964

Citizenship ceremony at Ōtara: 28 people took oath of allegiance, including S. African, Dutch, Chinese & Hungarian, 1964

Citizenship ceremony, Otara, 1964

Auckland Libraries

Image: New citizens, Ōtara, 1964

Three South African born children became NZ citizens in Ōtara, 1964

New citizens, Ōtara, 1964

Auckland Libraries

Image: N.Z. Citizenship ceremony, 1969

NZ Citizenship ceremony with Levin's Mayor Claude Fuller, 1969

N.Z. Citizenship ceremony, 1969

Kete Horowhenua

Image: Jung Lee and his family holding their nationalisation certificates - Photograph taken by Ron Fox

Korean family with their nationalisation certificates presented at Wellington, 1979

Jung Lee and his family holding their nationalisation certificates - Photograph taken by Ron Fox

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Hans-Hasso Weichbrodt was given New Zealand citizenship

NZ citizenship ceremony with Mayor of Napier, Alan Dick, 1993

Hans-Hasso Weichbrodt was given New Zealand citizenship

MTG Hawke's Bay

Image: Rapaki Marae citizenship ceremony

NZ citizenship ceremony held at Rapaki Marae, 6 Feb 2014

Rapaki Marae citizenship ceremony

Christchurch City Libraries

Privileges and responsibilities of a citizen

As set out on the Govt.nz website:

"When you become a New Zealand citizen, you will have the same privileges as a person who was born here. You will also have the same responsibilities.

Your privileges: You are entitled to: live in New Zealand indefinitely; travel overseas on a New Zealand passport; vote; stand for parliament or local government; have full access to education; have full economic and social rights; represent New Zealand in sports.

Your responsibilities: You must: obey and promote the laws of New Zealand; not act in a way that is against the interests of New Zealand; register on the electoral roll — you do not have to vote, but you must enrol to vote; pay tax; behave as a responsible New Zealander.

Journey TO BECOMING a NZ citizen SINCE 1840

From 1840 until 1 January 1949, people born in the British Empire living in New Zealand (including Māori) and their New Zealand-born descendants were regarded as British subjects/citizens. Non-British were called ‘aliens’ who could enter and live in NZ but had restrictions on land ownership and forms of occupation. Through naturalisation 'aliens' could become British citizens. However, in 1908, Chinese were excluded from naturalisation. During the First and Second World Wars, 'aliens' were regarded as ‘suspect’ and called 'enemy aliens'. A series of War Regulations were passed during World War I which required them to register with the police and placed restrictions on their movement and forms of employment. Around 450 'enemy aliens' considered a security risk were imprisoned on Somes/Matiu Island in the Wellington Harbour and Motuihe Island in the Waitemata Harbour, Auckland. 

Post World War II, New Zealand adopted the British Statute of Westminster (1931) in 1947, which required the establishing of its own citizenship distinct from British citizenship. The following year, NZ passed the British Nationality and New Zealand Citizenship Act 1948 and the Aliens Act on 6 September 1948 which allowed any alien, except Chinese, to become naturalised New Zealand citizens. From 1 January 1949 people were designated either New Zealand citizens or ‘Aliens’, until  the Citizenship Act 1977 removed the term 'Aliens' from official use. Thereafter, naturalisation gave the person New Zealand citizenship, whereas previously it had given British citizenship.  In 1951 the Government permitted the naturalisation of Chinese in NZ again. Eventually, in 1986 the immigration status of Chinese and Europeans was made the same.

1. Post-Treaty of Waitangi (1840) -

Image: Signing of the Treaty of Waitangi

From 1840, NZ became a British colony after the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi

People born in the British Empire living in NZ & their NZ-born descendants became British subjects

Signing of the Treaty of Waitangi

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Image: The three articles of the Treaty of Waitangi

Māori gained ‘all the Rights and Privileges of British Subjects’ under Article Three of the Treaty of Waitangi

The three articles of the Treaty of Waitangi

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

The status of Māori as British subjects was confirmed by the Native Rights Act 1865

11 Native Rights Act 1865

The University of Auckland Library

Image: European migrants: French settlers, Akaroa

Non-Britons (termed ‘aliens’) could enter & live in the British Empire but could not own or inherit land

(Image: Akaroa, on the Banks Peninsula, was settled in 1840 by French migrants)

European migrants: French settlers, Akaroa

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Image: Breitmeyer family, Akaroa

French settlers in Akaroa, 1840

(Image: 62 French people arrived at Akaroa in 1840 aboard the Comte de Paris. Accompanying them was a German family.)

Breitmeyer family, Akaroa

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Image: Rockstrow family

From 1840s-1860s, Germans established rural settlements, including in the Tasman area, Puhoi, & Dargaville

(Image: Rockstow family in Manawatū, 1890s. The mother was born in Germany & had migrated with her parents in 1840)

Rockstrow family

Palmerston North City Library

2.  Nationalisation began in 1844

Following objections by French & German settlers over property rights, naturalisation began in 1844

Ordinances & Acts between 1844-1865 listed names of those who were naturalised & some were backdated to their arrival

GOVENMENT GAZETTE. (New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator, 29 May 1844)

National Library of New Zealand

The New Munster Naturalization Ordinance in 1849

Listed those deemed "natural born subjects of Her Majesty". (Bishop Pompallier was amongst those naturalised in 1851.)

1 Naturalization Ordinance 1849

The University of Auckland Library

From 1851-1866, aliens were given temporary naturalisation until the next session of the legislature when re-enacted

From the Government Gazette, August 1.] PROCLAMATION. (New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, 13 August 1853)

National Library of New Zealand

Image: Appo Hocton

Wong Ahpoo Hock Ting (known as Appo Hocton) was naturalised in 1852

arrived in Nelson in 1842 & established a cartage business

Appo Hocton

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Aliens Act 1866 allowed aliens to be naturalised by letters from the Governor without any requirement of owning land

Aliens could also lease land for a period of 21 years. Alien women marrying British subjects were deemed naturalised.

17 Aliens Act 1866

The University of Auckland Library

Aliens Act 1870

Removed all restrictions on not being able to own or inherit land

40 Aliens Act 1870

The University of Auckland Library

 Oath of Allegiance (Promissory Oaths Act, 15 September 1873) :

" I do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Victoria, Her Heirs and Successors, according to law. So help me God." 

The Aliens Act, 1880

The Act set out application process & taking the Oath of Allegiance prescribed by “The Promissory Oaths Act 1873”

10. Aliens Act 1880

The University of Auckland Library

Image: The first restrictions on immigration

The Chinese Immigrants Act 1881

A restriction was placed on ships’ passengers: one Chinese per 10 tons of cargo in 1881 & one per 200 tons in 1896

The first restrictions on immigration

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Image: Poll tax certificate

The Chinese Immigrants Act 1881 also introduced a ‘poll tax’ of £10 which was increased to £100 in 1896

The poll tax was waived by the Minister of Customs in 1934, & eventually repealed in 1944

Poll tax certificate

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Image: Gottfried Lindauer applies to be naturalised, 1881

Application from Gottfried Lindauer to be naturalised, 1881

Lindauer was born in Bohemia (now Czech Republic) & became well-known for his paintings of NZ scenes & Māori portraits

Gottfried Lindauer applies to be naturalised, 1881

Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga

Aliens Act Amendment 1882

A child of a naturalised father or widowed mother resident with the parent in NZ during infancy was deemed naturalised

17 Aliens Act Amendment Act 1882

The University of Auckland Library

Aliens Act Amendment Act 1892

All fees for naturalisation were abolished, except in the case of Chinese who were to pay £1

19 Aliens Act Amendment Act 1892

The University of Auckland Library

Image: Robert Nicolai, naturalisation application (1899)

German-born Robert Nicolai applied for naturalisation in 1899

His request was granted

Robert Nicolai, naturalisation application (1899)

Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga

Image: ‘Alien’ naturalisation

German-born Eleonore Blumhardt, a domestic servant living in Kamo, was granted naturalisation in 1905

She had arrived in NZ in 1895 with her father & four brothers

‘Alien’ naturalisation

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Image: 20th-century anti-Chinese legislation

After 1907, all Chinese arrivals were required to sit an English reading test of 100 words

(Legislation against Chinese people in NZ continued to be enacted during 1900s, as seen from this list from 1901-1944)

20th-century anti-Chinese legislation

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Between 1908 and 1951 Chinese were denied naturalisation which led to them rallying against this discrimination

From 1908 Chinese who wished to leave NZ temporarily needed re-entry permits, which were thumbprinted

ASIATIC RESTRICTION LEAGUE. (Wanganui Chronicle, 12 May 1908)

National Library of New Zealand

3.  First World War, 1914-1918: 'Enemy aliens'

Under the War Regulations Act 1914, any person born in a country at war with the British Empire – including those who had subsequently been naturalised as British citizens – was classified an 'enemy alien'. From May 1916, their New Zealand-born wives were also considered enemy aliens.  All adult aliens had to register with their local police, which led to 4000 Germans and 2000 Austro-Hungarians being registered. The Act and its Amendments allowed aliens to be detained or their activities monitored and restricted, including forms of employment. During 1914-1918, around 450 'enemy aliens' considered a security risk were imprisoned on Somes/Matiu Island in the Wellington Harbour and Motuihe Island in the Waitemata Harbour, Auckland. An Alien Enemies Commission was established on 8 June 1915, first under the Department of Internal Affairs, and later Justice, to hear objections by aliens to their designated status (such as ‘disloyal’ or ‘enemy’ aliens) and to hear claims by aliens for exemption from internment.  

Find out more: Tim Shoebridge, Index of New Zealand wartime laws and regulations, 1914-21. Ministry for Culture and Heritage, (Pdf)

Image: The New Zealand citizen : an elementary account of the citizen's rights and duties and the work of government

In 1914, "The New Zealand citizen" by E.K. Mulgan & Alan E. Mulgan was published by Whitcombe & Tombs

Content covered the citizen's rights & duties and the work of government

The New Zealand citizen : an elementary account of the citizen's rights and duties and the work of government

Nelson Provincial Museum

War Regulations Act was passed on 2 Nov 1914 & was refined & updated during WWI

The Regulations for 'enemy aliens' included grounds for arrest & detention, & execution if found guilty of espionage

38 War Regulations Act 1914

The University of Auckland Library

Image: Registration of Aliens Act

From 9 Dec 1914, all adult aliens had to register with local police until centralisation introduced in Sept 1917

Around 4000 Germans & 2000 Austro-Hungarians were registered as 'enemy aliens' including those who were naturalised

Registration of Aliens Act

Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira

17 Dec 1914: Enemy aliens can’t change their names (except by marriage)

WHAT'S IN A NAME?" (NZ Truth, 25 December 1915)

National Library of New Zealand

Image: Featherston Camp Post Office : digital image

No-one could communicate with prisoners of war except through post office, or act as intermediary for alien enemy mail

Also, no-one could communicate with any person or company in an enemy country

Featherston Camp Post Office : digital image

Wairarapa Archive

Image: Losing your nationality

From May 1916, NZ-born wives of enemy aliens were similarly classified

(Image: Miriam who had married Croatian immigrant Peter Soljak lost her NZ nationality & had to register as an alien)

Losing your nationality

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Enemy aliens interned on Somes Island & Motuihe Island

Image: Gustav Kronfeld, ‘enemy alien’

From Sept 1914, the Minister of Defence had discretion to intern 'enemy aliens' on Somes Island & Motuihe Island

(Image: Businessman Gustav Kronfeld, though naturalised in 1893, came under suspicion because of his German birth)

Gustav Kronfeld, ‘enemy alien’

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Somes Island, Wellington: 

Image: Internment camp, Somes Island

Around 300 enemy aliens considered a risk to NZ security were held on Somes Island (Matiu) in the Wellington Harbour

More than 20 of the internees were naturalised British subjects who, in effect, had their citizenship rights removed

Internment camp, Somes Island

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Camp on Somes Island

Detainees included reservists in enemy forces, passengers & crew from visiting ships, & suspected enemy sympathisers

Camp on Somes Island

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: German internees on Somes Island

German internees on Somes Island

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Germans on Somes Island

Germans on Somes Island

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Image: ‘Enemy aliens’ on Somes Island

Handicrafts by German & Austro-Hungarian internees were made as family gifts or for sale for pocket money

(Image: Working with pāua shell)

‘Enemy aliens’ on Somes Island

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Image: Jewellery box

(Image: Wooden jewellery box)

Jewellery box

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Image: Box

(Image: e inside of the lid was decorated with an image of Somes Island)

Box

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Image: Darning stick

(Image: Darning stick inscribed by an internee)

Darning stick

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Motuihe Island in Waitemata Harbour, Auckland:

Image: Camp for German internees, Motuihe Island

Around 150 enemy aliens were detained on Motuihe in the Waitemata Harbour

Camp for German internees, Motuihe Island

Auckland Libraries

Image: German internees, Motuihe Island

The internees had the freedom of the island except they had to be in their quarters by 6 pm

German internees, Motuihe Island

Auckland Libraries

Image: The picturesque island at Auckland whereon Count von Luckner and other German prisoners were interned during the war

After being captured in Fiji in Sept 1917, German naval captain Count Felix von Luckner was imprisoned on Motuihe Island

The picturesque island at Auckland whereon Count von Luckner and other German prisoners were interned during the war

Auckland Libraries

Image: Interesting reminiscence of Count von Luckner and other naval prisoners who were interned at Motuihi Island, Auckland

Count von Luckner & 10 others escaped the island aboard the Commandant's launch 'The Pearl' in Dec 1917

Interesting reminiscence of Count von Luckner and other naval prisoners who were interned at Motuihi Island, Auckland

Auckland Libraries

Image: The scow Moa, said to have been captured by von Luckner and the other German prisoners who escaped from Motuihi Island

After anchoring at Red Mercury Island, the escapees seized the scow Moa & sailed to the Kermadecs

The scow Moa, said to have been captured by von Luckner and the other German prisoners who escaped from Motuihi Island

Auckland Libraries

Image: Sextant

This sextant (navigational instrument) was made on Motuihe Island & was used to navigate to the Kermadecs

Sextant

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Image: The ingeniously constructed sextant which formed part of the equipment for the recent escape of Count von Luckner and the other German prisoners from Motuihe Island, Auckland

The sextant was made from hinges, a mirror, a penny, a safety razor & the brass tank of a primus stove

The ingeniously constructed sextant which formed part of the equipment for the recent escape of Count von Luckner and the other German prisoners fr...

Auckland Libraries

Image: All hands on deck just after sighting the Moa

Von Luckner & the escapees were recaptured in the Kermadecs on 21 Dec 1917 by those pursuing aboard the Iris

After 3 wks in Mt Eden Prison, followed by Ripapa Island (Lyttelton Harbour), von Luckner taken to Motuihe on 9 May 1918

All hands on deck just after sighting the Moa

Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira

Image: Transfer of interned Germans from Motuihi Island to the camp at Narrow Neck, Auckland, last week: Count von Luckner and the other prisoners on the march to their new quarters

In Dec 1918, von Luckner & interned Germans were transferred from Motuihe Island to the camp at Narrow Neck, Auckland

They were repatriated in May 1919 to Germany.

Transfer of interned Germans from Motuihi Island to the camp at Narrow Neck, Auckland, last week: Count von Luckner and the other prisoners on the ...

Auckland Libraries

Further Acts & Regulations imposed on alien enemies during WWI:

In 1915, Public Service Commissioners advised "All Germans not naturalised are to be removed from the public service"

Germans who are naturalised British subjects are to be suspended unless considered loyal

ALIENS IN PUBLIC SERVICE. (Colonist, 25 May 1915)

National Library of New Zealand

Image: ALIENS COMMISSION (Otago Daily Times 18-6-1915)

An Alien Enemies Commission was established on 8 June 1915 first under the Dept. of Internal Affairs, & later Justice

Heard objections by aliens to their designated status (eg ‘disloyal’ or ‘enemy’ aliens) & exemptions from internment

ALIENS COMMISSION (Otago Daily Times 18-6-1915)

National Library of New Zealand

Alien Enemy Teachers Act, 11 Oct 1915 which was later repealed in Nov 1927

Prohibited teachers who were not a "British subject by birth, naturalization or otherwise" of any state NZ was at war

67 Alien Enemy Teachers Act 1915

The University of Auckland Library

From early 1916 the government began to restrict the property rights of enemy aliens in NZ

Under certain circumstances assets could be liquidated to help fund war effort, & property couldn't be included in wills

CONTROL OF ENEMY PROPERTY. (Hawera & Normanby Star, 08 April 1916)

National Library of New Zealand

Image: WAR REGULATIONS ACT (Otago Daily Times 3-5-1916)

From April 1916 the Attorney-General was empowered to appoint the Public Trustee as custodian of enemy property

Aliens required to register property & enemy companies (mainly overseas' interests in NZ) to surrender income to Govt

WAR REGULATIONS ACT (Otago Daily Times 3-5-1916)

National Library of New Zealand

A 1916 War Regulation also prohibited aliens from engaging in foreign trade unless they were also a British subject

Any shares held in a NZ company's business to be vested in a custodian of enemy property

WAR REGULATIONS. (Colonist, 03 May 1916)

National Library of New Zealand

Revocation of Naturalization Act, 15 Sept 1917 listed grounds for revoking citizenship

Threat to “welfare or defence of the realm, or the peace and good government...or otherwise on grounds of public policy"

8 Revocation of Naturalization Act 1917

The University of Auckland Library

Registration of Aliens Act, 28 Sept 1917

Every alien to register with the police within 28 days of the Act being passed (suspended August 1923)

12 Registration of Aliens Act 1917

The University of Auckland Library

War Regulations for the safety of ships and cargoes, 10 Oct 1917

From 17 Oct, no enemy alien or naturalised alien can be engaged in loading or unloading a ship or work on wharves

SAFETY OF SHIPS (Evening Post, 11 October 1917)

National Library of New Zealand

War Legislation Act 31 Oct 1917: Supreme Court may forfeit any land acquired by alien enemy since Aug 1914 to the Crown

Alien enemies were also banned from voting in local elections

THE COLONIST FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1917. ENEMY ALIENS AND LAND PURCHASE. (Colonist, 16 November 1917)

National Library of New Zealand

Image: UTILISING JUGO-SLAVS (Otago Daily Times 7-12-1917)

In Dec 1917 a scheme was begun to investigate, register & supervise ‘Jugo-Slavs’, naturalised or not

John Cullen became Commissioner in charge of the Jugo-Slav Organisation Branch of the Defence Department

UTILISING JUGO-SLAVS (Otago Daily Times 7-12-1917)

National Library of New Zealand

Image: NATIONAL SERVICE (Otago Daily Times 26-6-1918)

On 24 June 1918, an Alien Service Branch of the Defence Department supplanted the Jugo-Slav Organisation Branch

Enemy aliens could be directed into employment, eg public works (roading, railways, drainage) & local bodies work

NATIONAL SERVICE (Otago Daily Times 26-6-1918)

National Library of New Zealand

4.  Post-World War 1

Immigration Restriction Amendment Act, 9 Nov 1920

Required intending immigrants to apply for a permanent residence permit before arriving in NZ

23 Immigration Restriction Amendment Act 1920

The University of Auckland Library

Alien regulation was suspended in 1923, but re-imposed at the outbreak of World War II in 1939

7 Registration of Aliens Suspension Act 1923

The University of Auckland Library

British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act 1923 allowed for the naturalisation of residents of Western Samoa

They were exempted from the English language requirement

46 British Nationality and Status of Aliens (in New Zealand) Act 1923

The University of Auckland Library

Image: Naturalisation lists

In 1925 the Department of Internal Affairs published a list of all aliens who had been naturalised in NZ

(Image: These 2 pages have handwritten additions of the names of people naturalised between 1925 & 1935)

Naturalisation lists

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

British Nationality and Status of Aliens (in New Zealand) 1928

The Act allowed for the continued naturalisation of residents of Western Samoa without the English language requirement

58 British Nationality and Status of Aliens (in New Zealand) Act 1928

The University of Auckland Library

5.  World War II, 1939-1945

Alien regulations was re-imposed at the outbreak of World War II in 1939. As in World War I some aliens were interned, including people from Germany, Austria and Italy, as well as countries conquered by Germany.  

Alien Control Emergency Regulations 1939 reimposed restrictions during WWII

(Article about an Italian being fined for possessing a motor car without a permit)

ENEMY ALIENS (Evening Post, 30 August 1940)

National Library of New Zealand

Image: Somes Island, Wellington

Enemy adult male aliens were interned on Somes Island in the Wellington Harbour from 23 Dec 1939

Treatment of the men was based on the Geneva Prisoners of War of Convention of 1929

Somes Island, Wellington

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Aerial view of Somes Island with three biplanes flying past

The internees were moved to Pahiatua from 1943 - Sept 1944 when the anti-aircraft artillery battery was operational

They returned to Somes Island in Sept 1944 when the guns were removed

Aerial view of Somes Island with three biplanes flying past

Alexander Turnbull Library

Towards end of 1945, the internees left Somes Islands

About 40 were released & the other directed to work priority projects such as railways, public works & mental hospitals

ENEMY ALIENS (Evening Post, 10 October 1945)

National Library of New Zealand

6.  New Zealand citizenship, 1948 - 

In 1947 New Zealand adopted the British Statute of Westminster (1931), which required the establishing of its own citizenship distinct from British citizenship. The following year, NZ passed the British Nationality and New Zealand Citizenship Act 1948 and the Aliens Act 1948 which allowed any alien, except Chinese, to become naturalised New Zealand citizens.  From 1 January 1949 people were designated either New Zealand citizens or ‘Aliens’, until the Citizenship Act 1977 removed the term 'Aliens' from official use. Thereafter, naturalisation gave the person New Zealand citizenship, whereas previously it had given British citizenship. However, the electoral law (introduced in 1852) still required voters to be a ‘British subject’. This requirement changed in 1975 when "British subject was deleted, and voting eligbility was widened to allow permanent residents to vote, whether or not they had NZ citizenship. However, only citizens are allowed to become Members of Parliament.

Pacific countries:

  • Tokelau: As Tokelau was formally annexed by New Zealand in 1948, Tokelauans were New Zealand citizens from 1 January 1949. 
  • The Cook Islands is self-governing in ‘free association’ with New Zealand since 11 June 1901. While it administers its own affairs, Cook Islanders are New Zealand citizens who are free to live and work in NZ.  
  •  Niue is a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand since October 1974.  
  • Western Samoa achieved independence in 1962 which led to uncertainty over their NZ citizenship status and many were issued with temporary work permits. In 1982 the Privy Council ruled that all Western Samoans born between 1924 and 1948 were British subjects. Hence, in 1949 they and their descendants had become New Zealand citizens. The Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act 1982 overturned the Privy Council ruling. However, all Western Samoan citizens who were in NZ on 14 September 1982, and those subsequently granted permanent residence, became entitled to New Zealand citizenship. 
Image: Statute of Westminster Adoption Act, 1947 - Page 1

On 25 Nov 1947 NZ adopted the British Statute of Westminster (1931)

This required NZ to establish its own citizenship distinct from British citizenship

Statute of Westminster Adoption Act, 1947 - Page 1

Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga

New Zealand Citizenship Act 1948 and the Aliens Act 1948 allowed any alien, except Chinese, to become naturalised

New Zealand citizenship established

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Image: New Zealand issues its own passports

After the 1948 Act had been passed on 6 Sept, New Zealand passports were issued by the Department of Internal Affairs

New Zealand issues its own passports

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Image: Murray Grant's passport

The words ‘British subject’ remained on NZ passports until 1973, along with ‘New Zealand citizen’

Murray Grant's passport

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Image: Guide for new immigrants

Booklet ' Alien to citizen' was issued by the Department of Education in 1954

Purpose was to persuade recent immigrants of the advantages of naturalisation, & to describe the procedure

Guide for new immigrants

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Image: Miroslav Josef Smutny submitting his naturalisation certificate at the first public naturalisation ceremony in New Zealand

First public naturalisation ceremony in NZ was held in Wellington on 24 May 1955

Miroslav Josef Smutny submitting his naturalisation certificate at the first public naturalisation ceremony in New Zealand

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Pictorial Parade No. 37 (1955)

Pictorial Parade No. 37 (1955): Video of NZ's first naturalisation ceremony

Pictorial Parade No. 37 (1955)

Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga

Image: "Dutch Family Become New Zealand Citizens"

Fifteen members of the Bron family, who came from Holland, became naturalised at a ceremony at Foxton, 1958

"Dutch Family Become New Zealand Citizens"

Palmerston North City Library

Image: Naturalisation ceremony at the Council Chambers, Wellington

Naturalisation ceremony at the Council Chambers in Wellington, 1958

Naturalisation ceremony at the Council Chambers, Wellington

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: "Thirty Applicants are Naturalised"

1958: Thirty people took the oath of allegiance at a naturalisation ceremony conducted at Palmerston North

"Thirty Applicants are Naturalised"

Palmerston North City Library

Image: Naturalisation as a New Zealander

Certificate of naturalisation, 1959

Naturalisation as a New Zealander

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Image: "New New Zealand Citizens" Naturalization Ceremony

Naturalisation ceremony after receiving their certificates from Palmerston North's Mayor Rennie, 1961

"New New Zealand Citizens" Naturalization Ceremony

Palmerston North City Library

Image: Citizenship ceremony, Ōtara, 1964

Cup of tea following a citizenship ceremony held in Ōtara, 1964

Citizenship ceremony, Ōtara, 1964

Auckland Libraries

Image: City of Lower Hutt :Naturalisation ceremony in the Council Chambers, Lower Hutt, Monday, 3rd April, 1967. [Inside spread]

Programme for naturalisation ceremony held in the City of Lower Hutt's Council Chambers on Monday, 3 April 1967

City of Lower Hutt :Naturalisation ceremony in the Council Chambers, Lower Hutt, Monday, 3rd April, 1967. [Inside spread]

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: 'New Kiwis', Papakura, 1972.

'New Kiwis' following a naturalisation ceremony at Papakura, 1972

'New Kiwis', Papakura, 1972.

Auckland Libraries

Image: N.Z. Citizenship ceremony, Levin, 1972

NZ citizenship ceremony, Levin, 1972

Pencilled on back of photo: "Naturalisation of 6 people of : Polish, Chinese & Tongan Extraction"

N.Z. Citizenship ceremony, Levin, 1972

Kete Horowhenua

Image: Citizenship ceremony in Wellington Town Hall

NZ citizenship ceremony in Wellington Town Hall, 1977

Citizenship ceremony in Wellington Town Hall

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Falema'i Lesa having just won her case for citizenship with the Privy Council - Photograph taken by Peter Avery

Falema'i Lesa having just won her case for citizenship with the Privy Council, 1982

Falema'i Lesa having just won her case for citizenship with the Privy Council - Photograph taken by Peter Avery

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Samoans in Parliament for proceedings on Citizenship (Western Samoa) Bill - Photograph taken by Gail Jordan

Citizenship (Western Samoa) Bill, 1982

(Members of the Samoan community in the legislative chamber of Parliament for the proceedings of the bill)

Samoans in Parliament for proceedings on Citizenship (Western Samoa) Bill - Photograph taken by Gail Jordan

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Fred Smits; barred from membership of board of trustees, because still a Dutch citizen.

Barred from membership of Board of Trustees, because still a Dutch citizen, 1989

About 25,000 people, mostly Dutch, were in similar situation

Fred Smits; barred from membership of board of trustees, because still a Dutch citizen.

Upper Hutt City Library

Image: Mayor's memo Acknowledgement of Civic Service

A joint Citizenship and Civic Honours Ceremony was held in the Levin War Memorial Hall, 28 March 2003

Mayor's memo Acknowledgement of Civic Service

Kete Horowhenua

Image: Photographs of a protest for the repeal of the Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act of 1982, Parliament Grounds, Wellington

A protest for the repeal of the Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act of 1982, Parliament Grounds, March 2003

People born in Western Samoa between 13 May 1924 - 1 Jan 1949 had NZ citizenship removed

Photographs of a protest for the repeal of the Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act of 1982, Parliament Grounds, Wellington

Alexander Turnbull Library

RNZ (4 March 2020): What happens when you relinquish your NZ citizenship and then want it back?

Vivien Hill left NZ when aged 55 to live in Norway, which didn't allow dual citizenship; & wants to return to NZ aged 74

'I tried to keep NZ citizenship, they didn't allow it'

Radio New Zealand

Image: Lai Bar Boli

Photographic exhibition "Belonging" (2021) celebrated 10 migrant women who made Palmerston North their home

When aged 10, Lai Bar Boli arrived with her family as refugees from Myanmar (Burma) in 2006 & were granted citizenship

Lai Bar Boli

Palmerston North City Library

Image: Dr. Doris Adeyinka

Another image in the photographic exhibition "Belonging" is Dr Doris Adeyinka

Doris arrived from Nigeria with her husband & children in Jan 2007 as a doctoral student & was later granted citizenship

Dr. Doris Adeyinka

Palmerston North City Library

Restoring Citizenship Removed by the Citizenship (Western Samoa) Act of 1982 Bill in the parliamentary ballot, 2023

Bill would restore the right to NZ citizenship for people from Western Samoa born between 13 May 1924 - 1 Jan 1949

Protecting Pasifika Communities under New Zealand Law w/ The Green Party's Teanau Tuiono: 8 August, 2023

95bFM

Image: Welsh Kiwi completes his citizenship ceremony in te reo Māori

Welsh-born aircraft engineer read his affirmation at the citizenship ceremony in te reo Māori, 2023

(His wife shared a video on TikTok.) RNZ interview: 5:55min

Welsh Kiwi completes his citizenship ceremony in te reo Māori

Radio New Zealand

7.  New Zealand citizens

New Zealand citizen by birth

You're a New Zealand citizen by birth if you were born in New Zealand. Citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau who were born before 1 January 2006 are also New Zealand citizens.

If you were born after 1 January 2006 in New Zealand, Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau you only have New Zealand citizenship from birth if one or more of your parents:

  • is a New Zealand citizen, or
  • has residency (for example, has the right to be in New Zealand or Australia without a fixed end date), or
  • has the right to live without a fixed end date in the Cook Islands, Tokelau or Niue.

Other New Zealand citizens

You are a New Zealand citizen if you:

  • become a New Zealand citizen by naturalisation, registration or grant
  • were a British subject and resident in New Zealand throughout all of 1948
  • are a woman born outside of New Zealand who married a New Zealand citizen before 9 October 1946

Source: Massey University: Definition of a New Zealand citizen and resident

8.  Find out more

This DigitalNZ story was compiled in September 2023