Thinking ahead.

[ebianca]

Hi all.

Got a quick question to ask.

We have been talking about having baby number 3 but have decided to wait until we are in NZ and settled as moving is our priority at the moment.

I was wondering as we would be there as residents, if we were to have a baby in NZ would they be an NZ citizen or would they just be granted residency?

Beth

[MotherBear]

Citizenship Rules

From 1 January 2006, children born in New Zealand (or in the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau) will acquire New Zealand citizenship at birth only if at least one of their parents:

is a New Zealand citizen; or

is entitled to be in New Zealand indefinitely in terms of the Immigration Act 1987(ie a residence permit holder or Australian citizen); or

is entitled to reside indefinitely in the Cook Islands, Tokelau or Niue.

He or she will be a dual passport holder so how cool is that?

Previously any baby born in NZ could claim NZ citizenship but now you have to at least have PR.

[ebianca]

Thanks MB.

So i may well have my very own Kiwi baby.

I guess they'd struggle to kick us out too if our child has right to live in NZ (not that we would do anything that would need us to be kicked out).

We will just have to see how we feel when we are settled- it may never happen.

[CrystalLil]

Would never want to put anyone off from starting/adding to their brood - but just in case you weren't aware, the maternity/paternity leave arrangements here aren't that great. I believe that mums get a maximum of 80% of their salary for 3 months - but this is capped at quite a low amount (like as if it was 80% of the minimum wage...). I think you can take a further 9 months off unpaid. Dads can take 2 weeks unpaid, I think...depending on the employer. Pretty shocking, I thought - but worth looking into if you're into thinking ahead and finances are a consideration....might help with the planning!

Lil.

[ebianca]

Thanks Lil.

I had read about maternity leave being lower than in UK.

We are hoping that OH will be getting a good salary as he is in project managment so if all goes to plan I won't be going to work until the children are at school. I'm planning on doing some studying at home so that I can start a carreer for myself. I decided on marraige and children over university and at 23 i've plenty of time for that.

I guess a baby number 3 would be dependednt on wheather or not we could survive the extra five years with just the one salary- something to work out when we get there.

At the moment we have 2 girls. the eldest if 4 tomorrow and the youngest will be 2 in december.