60TH ANNIVERSARY OF NEW ZEALAND CITIZENSHIP

It's 60 years to the day [1 January 1949] since New Zealanders became New Zealand citizens in their own right. 

On this day in 1949 the British Nationality and New Zealand Citizenship Act 1948 came into force and most people living in New Zealand on that day became New Zealand citizens.  Prior to this they were solely British subjects. 

It also meant that children born in New Zealand from 1 January 1949 automatically became New Zealand citizens. 

Minister of Internal Affairs Richard Worth said the creation of New Zealand citizenship was an important step in New Zealand's path to independence as a nation.

"New Zealand citizenship is the glue that binds the nation. It is a shared bond between most people born in New Zealand or to New Zealand citizen parents and people born in Tokelau, Niue and the Cook Islands. 

"Since 1949 many migrants to New Zealand have chosen to apply for citizenship. We welcome them into the New Zealand family.  Our shared citizenship transcends religion, ethnicity and cultural background, it is about fully belonging to New Zealand rather than just living here," Dr Worth said.

The Internal Affairs Department plans to hold a number of special commemorative events to mark this milestone year. 

The planned events include a Parliamentary function in February, the launch of an educational website, a school essay competition, and a number of special citizenship ceremonies throughout the country.  

The aim of these initiatives is to raise awareness of the meaning, importance and benefits of citizenship. There will be a number of citizenship ceremonies which the Minister of Internal Affairs will be attending and speaking at. 

Questions and Answers

What does the Internal Affairs Department plan to do for this anniversary year?

The Department plans to hold a number of special commemorative events to mark the anniversary.  The planned events include a Parliamentary function, an educational website, a school essay competition, and a number of special citizenship ceremonies throughout the country. 

What are the reasons for the celebrations?

First and foremost we are setting out to celebrate our shared citizenship - the common bond that makes us a nation. This is something truly worth celebrating.  The aim of these initiatives is to raise awareness of the meaning, importance and benefits of citizenship.

The key themes are:

Independence:  The creation of New Zealand citizenship was an important step towards New Zealand becoming a fully independent nation.

Importance: The rights and responsibilities of New Zealand citizenship mean that citizenship is an important aspect of the lives of New Zealanders. 

Inclusion: New Zealand citizenship is a 'shared bond' between migrants who have taken up the grant of citizenship, people born in New Zealand, people born to New Zealanders overseas and Tokelauans, Niueans and Cook Islanders.  The shared bond exists no matter what religion, ethnicity or cultural background each individual has. 

How do I go about becoming a citizen if I am not one or find out more about citizenship?

You can find out more about citizenship, including details on how to apply for the grant of citizenship, on the Department of Internal Affairs Citizenship website http://www.citizenship.govt.nz or by phoning 0800 22 51 51 (or +64 4 474 8123 from overseas). 

Are the fees for citizenship applications going to increase now?

 No, these will stay the same at this time.

Will it take longer to get a citizenship application, now that it's an anniversary year?

No, on the contrary, now is a good time to apply, as there are plenty of staff ready and waiting to assist you with your application.