The Government's New Citizenship Test w/ Migrant Rights Network's Sher Singh: 7 May, 2026

The Government is introducing a new citizenship test on the “responsibilities and privileges” of New Zealand citizenship for future applicants. 

Topics will include the Bill of Rights Act, voting rights, and the structure of government. Other proposed questions include human rights, certain offences, and general democratic principles. 

Currently, applicants only need to sign a form stating that they understand these topics. Existing requirements regarding residency, good character, and English skills will remain. 

The change was announced by Internal Affairs Minister and ACT MP Brooke van Velden, who says, “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.”

Wire Host Caeden spoke to Sher Singh, President of the Migrant Rights Network, about this change.