A new citizenship test announced by the Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden is part of a broader push to tighten standards around who becomes a New Zealander.
The Government confirmed that from late 2027, people applying for citizenship by grant will need to pass an in-person, multi-choice test proving their understanding of New Zealand’s laws, values and civic responsibilities.
Van Velden said the change is about reinforcing the meaning of citizenship, rather than treating it as a formality.
“Citizenship is a commitment to our shared responsibilities and privileges. By ensuring applicants understand these responsibilities and privileges, we strengthen what it means to be a citizen of New Zealand,” she said in a release.
The move replaces the current system, where applicants largely meet requirements by signing a declaration stating they understand their obligations.
Under the new rules, applicants must score at least 75% on questions covering topics such as the Bill of Rights, democratic principles, the structure of government, voting, and key laws.
The policy reflects ACT’s long-standing position that immigration and citizenship settings should prioritise assimilation into New Zealand’s legal and cultural framework, with clearer expectations placed on new arrivals.
“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,” van Velden said.
In a speech on Friday to Forum North in Whangarei, Act leader David Seymour said that the current immigration system was failing;
“Too often I shake my head and ask, if we have a system targeting skilled migrants, how the hell did that guy get here? I mean, really, you’re supposed to be a brain surgeon but you can’t find an address on GPS? Thank god you’re not probing my cerebellum, ” Seymour said.
The Department of Internal Affairs will develop study materials ahead of the test’s rollout, with implementation work already underway.
