The test will be conducted in person and feature 20 multi-choice questions in English, 15 of which must be answered correctly to pass.
Questions will include topics such as the Bill of Rights Act, human rights, certain criminal offences, voting rights, democratic principles, the structure of government, and travel to and from New Zealand.
“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,” Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden said in a statement.
“This test ensures people have sufficient knowledge of their responsibilities and privileges before receiving citizenship by grant.”
Those under 16 or over 65 years old will be exempt from the requirement.
Currently, applicants only need to sign a declaration that they understand the responsibilities and privileges of being a citizen.
Further details on the test are being worked on by the Department of Internal Affairs, van Velden said, adding the test would become a requirement in the second half of 2027.
The Department of Internal Affairs will provide study materials to help applicants prepare with these materials available before the test becomes a requirement.
If an applicant does not pass the test on their first attempt, they can rebook and try again. If they do not pass after 3 attempts, they will need to wait at least 30 working days. They will then be allowed up to 3 more attempts.
Those that do not pass after 6 attempts will be provided options, including withdrawing their application, similar to the current process for applications that do not clearly meet citizenship requirements.
