[MotherBear]

[b:c0fc2bc95f]New law means not all babies born here will be citizens [/b:c0fc2bc95f]
08 December 2005

Not all babies born in this country will automatically become citizens of New Zealand under a law change coming into effect on January 1.
The change will affect some of the babies born to up to 500 couples who travel to New Zealand each year to give birth so their children can obtain a New Zealand passport. The children born here to couples who have no claim to New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency will not be entitled to citizenship under the new rules.

Registrar-general of Births, Deaths and Marriages Brian Clarke, said the change would only affect a small number of babies.

"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.

Mr Clarke said that it also applied where at least one parent was a permanent resident of the Cook Islands, Tokelau or Niue. Children born to New Zealand citizens outside of New Zealand will generally acquire New Zealand citizenship by descent. And Mr Clarke emphasised 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," he said.

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.

The new provision is part of the Citizenship Amendment Act, passed in April, and applies only to babies born on or after January 1, 2006.