Kiwis living in Australia have their rights restored

Te Whanganui-a-Tara - Australia’s historic decision to provide a new direct pathway to citizenship for New Zealanders living in Australia, saying it will bring the two countries closer together.

This is the biggest improvement in the rights of New Zealanders living in Australia in a generation and restores most of the rights Kiwis had in Australia before they were revoked in 2001, prime minister Chris Hipkins says.

Successive New Zealand prime ministers have advocated for this change for two decades. It’s pleasing that the close relationship between leaders of two like-minded governments was instrumental in reaching this outcome.

It brings the two nations closer together. It underscores the strength and breadth of the bonds between the countries ahead of my visit this weekend.

“These changes will make a real and meaningful difference to the lives of many New Zealanders and their children by giving those who decide to take up Australian citizenship similar rights to Australians living in New Zealand.

Kiwis taking up Australian citizenship will still retain their New Zealand citizenship. These dual citizens are not lost to New Zealand but draw closer together.

It will apply to Kiwis on temporary, special category, visas who have arrived since 2001 and lived in Australia for four years and meet the standard criteria for citizenship including character checks and intention to reside in Australia.

Children born in Australia since July 1, 2022 to a New Zealand parent living there will also automatically be entitled to citizenship. This will make critical services available to them.

Most Kiwis know someone who’s moved across the Tasman.

They work hard, pay taxes and deserve a fair go. These changes deliver that and reverse erosions that have taken place over 20 years. The new rights come into effect on July 1.  It applies to Kiwis on temporary, special category, visas who have lived in Australia for four years, and meet the standard Australian citizenship criteria such as a character check, adequate knowledge of Australia, a basic English competency and will continue to reside in or have a connection with Australia.