The Government is set to introduce a new citizenship test for people applying for New Zealand citizenship by grant.
From late 2027, those applying for citizenship by grant will undergo the test, which will include questions on the Bill of Rights Act, certain criminal offences, voting rights, democratic principles, the structure of government, and travel to and from New Zealand.
Applicants will be required to get 75% of questions correct to pass the test, which will be multi-choice.
New Zealand citizenship by grant requires holding a resident visa for at least five years, basic English, good character, and being present in the country for 240 days per year, or 1350 days total.
Those applying for citizenship by grant currently sign a declaration stating they understand the responsibilities and privileges of becoming a NZ citizen.
Announcing the test, Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden said: "By ensuring applicants understand these responsibilities and privileges, we strengthen what it means to be a citizen of New Zealand."
Van Velden said the test would build on the existing requirement in the Citizenship Act, which ensures the Minister of Internal Affairs is satisfied with people applying for citizenship by grant have sufficient knowledge of the responsibilities and privileges of being a citizen.
“People seeking citizenship should understand New Zealanders believe in certain rights, like freedom of speech, or that no one person or group is above the law. This test ensures people have sufficient knowledge of their responsibilities and privileges before receiving citizenship by grant.”
The Department of Internal Affairs would also produce guidance and other resources ahead of the implementation of the test, to ensure applicants are well prepared to complete and pass.
Van Velden said further details of the test are being worked on by the Department of Internal Affairs, and work on the implementation process has also begun so it can be in place and required for applications from the second half of 2027.
“Becoming a New Zealand citizen is a significant milestone in a person’s life and a great honour. This change reinforces the value of New Zealand citizenship, and what it means to obtain it.”
Who will need to take the test?
The Department of Internal Affairs said the test would apply to most adult applicants from late 2027. Applicants under 16 and over 65 would not be required to take the test.
People using citizenship by birth, descent or Western Samoa pathways would not need to complete the test.
Some applicants may also be eligible for exemptions. Details of these exemptions would be communicated prior to the test becoming a requirement, it said.
How will it work?
The Department of Internal Affairs said the "operational details" of the test are still being confirmed, however the test is currently planned to be taken in-person, and have 20 multiple-choice questions, and require a pass mark of 75%, or 15 out of 20 questions.
The cost of the implementation of the test and its administration would be covered by fees. The Department of Internal Affairs said this fee would likely be separate to the application fee.
It would also develop study resources and provide further information about how to prepare for the test before it became a requirement.
Other information on the test and eligibility for citizenship by grant is available on the New Zealand Government website.
"Customers are encouraged to check the website for the latest information before contacting the Department," a Department of Internal Affairs spokesperson said.
SHARE ME