NZ First would change electoral law so that only New Zealand citizens can vote. Permanent residents can currently vote after two years, and holders of certain visas with no expiry date after one. The party would keep permanent residence as the right to live, work, study and build a life here, while reserving the vote for those who have taken citizenship.
The document sets out the current position as its starting point: a permanent resident who has been through the normal process can vote after two years living here, and someone on certain visas with no expiry date is technically eligible after one. It notes this covers who forms the government, who sits on local councils, and referendums.
Permanent residence and citizenship are treated as different things doing different jobs. Residence gives the right to live, work, study and build a life; citizenship is described as the formal bond of allegiance, belonging, responsibility and democratic authority. The policy is that only the second should carry the vote — the party’s phrase is that the distinction “should matter again”.
The case is put in terms of commitment rather than administration: voting is framed as a privilege of those who have sworn allegiance and made New Zealand their home and their future. The document is explicit that people who have not done so remain welcome to live here permanently.
“New Zealand First has announced that we will be campaigning to change the electoral law to ensure that only citizens have the right to vote.”
“Currently, any permanent resident who has gone through the normal process, after just two years living in New Zealand, can vote.”
“Permanent residence gives people the right to live, work, study, and build a life in New Zealand. Citizenship is different.”
“New Zealand First will restore the basic democratic principle that the right to decide New Zealand’s future belongs to New Zealand citizens.”
Points the document defers or leaves undefined. These are gaps in the document, not criticisms of the policy.
Which party holds a published position on which topic.
Swipe across to see all 11 topics — the party column stays put.
| Party | Economy | Housing | Health | Education | Climate | Environment | Crime & Justice | Treaty & Māori Affairs | Immigration | Foreign Policy | Democracy & Government |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National |
| ∅ |
| Labour | ∅ | ∅ | ∅ | ∅ | ∅ | ∅ |
| Green |
| ACT |
| NZ First |
| Te Pāti Māori |
| TOP |
| Also contesting, without seats in Parliament | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Women’s Rights | |||||||||||
| Animal Justice | |||||||||||
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| Outdoors & Freedom | |||||||||||
| Vision NZ | |||||||||||
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| Free Palestine | |||||||||||
| NZ Loyal | ∅ | ||||||||||
| Te Tai Tokerau | ∅ | ||||||||||