Citizenship No Longer a Handshake: What You Need to Know for 2027

If you’re planning on calling Aotearoa home permanently, the goalposts just shifted. Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden has confirmed that the current “tick-the-box” declaration system is being replaced by a formal, in-person citizenship test starting in the second half of 2027.

The reasoning? The government wants to ensure new Kiwis actually understand the rights and responsibilities they’re inheriting. “People seeking citizenship should understand New Zealanders believe in certain rights, like freedom of speech,” van Velden stated.

The Stats: What’s on the Paper?

• The Format: 20 multiple-choice questions, conducted in person.
• The Language: Strictly in English.
• The Pass Mark: You’ll need 15 out of 20 (75%) to clear it.
• The Topics: Expect questions on the Bill of Rights, voting systems, human rights, and even rules about traveling on an NZ passport.

Are you exempt? If you’re under 16 or over 65, you can breathe easy—you won’t have to sit the exam. For everyone else, study materials are expected to be released closer to the 2027 rollout. If you apply before the cut-off, you’ll still follow the old rules, so it might be time to get those papers in!