Māori living in New Zealand who are not citizens will not be exempt from a new citizenship knowledge test being introduced for people applying for citizenship by grant.
According to a report by the New Zealand Herald, the 20-question multiple-choice test is due to be introduced from late 2027 as part of the citizenship application process.
Newstalk ZB has reported that the Ministry of Māori Development, Te Puni Kōkiri, raised concerns with the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) about whether a knowledge test would be appropriate for Māori applicants who were born overseas.
In March, Te Puni Kōkiri suggested that the Government consider how the test would apply to people who whakapapa Māori but were not born in New Zealand.
“We would query how this test applies to those who whakapapa Māori but are not born in New Zealand, as a test may not be appropriate for such individuals,” the agency told the DIA, as quoted by the New Zealand Herald.
The ministry also questioned whether the test was necessary, noting that visa applicants already sign a declaration confirming they meet knowledge requirements.
“Introducing a test seems somewhat unnecessary”.
Te Puni Kōkiri also recommended expanding the test to include greater recognition of Māori culture, Treaty rights and Māori interests.
“Broadening the scope of the questions to inclusion of the Treaty rights, Māori culture and Māori rights and interests would be useful in articulating the importance of Māori and Māori culture as the indigenous people of this country. Such questions would require fulsome engagement with Māori,” Te Puni Kōkiri said, the New Zealand Herald has quoted.
However, Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden said the citizenship test would apply equally to all applicants, regardless of their ethnicity or ancestry.
“There will not be any difference in treatment of people with Māori ancestry from any other person applying for citizenship,” the New Zealand Herald has quoted.
Van Velden confirmed the test will include a question about the Treaty of Waitangi, although the final content is still being developed.
“The questions are intended to satisfy the requirement that applicants have sufficient knowledge of the responsibilities and privileges of being a citizen,” van Velden said, as quoted by the New Zealand Herald.
The debate comes after actress Keisha Castle-Hughes gave evidence at a Waitangi Tribunal claim concerning the rights of people who whakapapa Māori but were born overseas to live in New Zealand.
In October 2025, the Tribunal recommended that the Crown work with Māori on establishing a “tikanga [customary system of values and practices] pathway to citizenship” that would allow hapū and iwi to assess whakapapa evidence, as reported by the New Zealand Herald.
It also recommended extending citizenship by descent to two generations for Māori.