1949 To 1977
Prior to 1 January 1978, New Zealand citizenship law had different rules.
- persons from most Commonwealth countries (including the United Kingdom) and the Republic of Ireland could apply to be registered as a New Zealand citizen. Under the 1948 legislation, no specific residence period was required once the person was settled in New Zealand
- persons from non-Commonwealth countries had to become naturalised. This required five years residence, including a requirement for notice to be given 12 months before application.
- citizenship ceremonies were introduced in 1954 for those becoming naturalised New Zealand citizens
- women married to New Zealand citizens were permitted to become New Zealand citizens as of right, without a residence requirement, if a citizen of a Commonwealth nation or the Republic of Ireland. Where the woman was from a non-Commonwealth nation, registration was allowed at the discretion of the Minister of Internal Affairs.
- New Zealand citizenship by descent could be obtained only from a father, not the mother (however those born between 1949 and 1977 to a New Zealand mother may be able to register now as New Zealand citizens). Where the father was a New Zealand citizen by descent, the child normally had to be registered as a New Zealand citizen before age 16.
Read more about this topic: New Zealand Nationality Law, Historical Provisions