MEDIA RELEASE 7 December 2005
Most newborns not affected by next year’s citizenship changes
Law changes coming into effect on 1 January 2006 mean not every baby born in New Zealand will be a New Zealand citizen.
Brian Clarke, Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages, says very few babies born here each year will not be
citizens by birth.
“The new rules will not affect the vast majority of children born in New Zealand. If at least one parent is a New
Zealand citizen or permanent resident their new baby will be a citizen of this country. This generally includes
Australian citizens and permanent residents.
“It also applies where at least one parent is a permanent resident of the Cook Islands, Tokelau or Niue,” says Brian
Clarke.
Children born to New Zealand citizens outside of New Zealand will generally acquire New Zealand citizenship by descent.
Brian Clarke emphasises the need for all parents of newborn babies to register their child’s birth.
“All babies born here must be registered, whether they are New Zealand citizens or not. Even if your child is not a New
Zealand citizen, you will need a New Zealand birth record to register your child’s citizenship in your home country and
to obtain a passport for your child,” Brian Clarke says.
Birth registration ensures that babies who are New Zealand citizens have access to their rights and entitlements,
including education, healthcare and a New Zealand passport.
All new parents receive a birth registration form from their midwife or hospital. Birth registration is free and parents
are legally required to register their child’s birth, he says.
The new provision is part of the Citizenship Amendment Act, passed in April of this year, and applies only to babies
born on or after 1 January 2006. Anyone unsure about the changes can get more information by calling Freephone 0800 22
54 54 or by visiting the Internal Affairs website: www.dia.govt.nz
ENDS