New Zealand First has today 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.

In addition, anyone who is here on certain visas that have no expiry date, are technically eligible to vote after just one year living in New Zealand.

They can vote on who the government is, they can vote on who the local council is, they can even vote in referendums that would fundamentally change the social fabric of our society.

Voting in our country should be a privilege of those who have sworn allegiance to New Zealand and who have made the commitment to make New Zealand their home and their future.  

If you haven’t made that commitment or sworn that allegiance, we are happy to let you live here permanently, but why should you get a say in how this country is run or governed?

New Zealand First will restore the basic democratic principle that the right to decide New Zealand’s future belongs to New Zealand citizens.

Voting in general elections should be reserved for those who have made the full legal and civic commitment to this country. 

Permanent residence gives people the right to live, work, study, and build a life in New Zealand. Citizenship is different. 

Citizenship is the formal bond of allegiance, belonging, responsibility, and democratic authority.

New Zealand First believes that distinction should matter again.