Proof of residence
When a client provides proof of residence for their Veteran's Pension application all documents should be originals.
Photocopies and/or documents that have been changed in any way cannot be accepted.
When the client (or partner) cannot provide proof, or the proof is unclear, they should be asked to get proof of their residential status from Immigration New Zealand (for residence class visa) or the Department of Internal Affairs (for citizenship).
Proof of citizenship and/or permanent residence in New Zealand can be:
- Australian passport
Australian citizens and permanent residents are lawfully allowed in New Zealand as they are deemed to hold a residence class visa. Their date of entry into New Zealand is generally not recorded, but can be requested from Immigration New Zealand / New Zealand Customs by the client. When possible, supporting evidence should be provided, such as tenancy agreements, bank statements or old utility bills, to show that the client has been ordinarily resident in New Zealand on the date of application.
- British nationals (travel information)
British nationals who arrived in New Zealand before 2 April 1974, were allowed to enter New Zealand to reside and may be unable to provide proof of their residence if they do not have a passport. Immigration New Zealand may have travel entries and exits to and from New Zealand for these people from the late 1980s. The client should be able to provide New Zealand school, work, or tax records to support their claim about when they arrived in New Zealand, and the length of time they have lived here.
- Certificate of Confirmation
This is a certificate issued to confirm that the holder is a New Zealand citizen by birth, descent or Grant of Citizenship. British nationals, who immigrated to New Zealand before 1948 (and who resided in New Zealand for all of 1948) were made New Zealand citizens in 1949. These clients are likely to have a Certificate of Confirmation.
- Certificate of Registration
A child born outside New Zealand (to a parent who is a New Zealand citizen) may be a New Zealand citizen from birth. However, the child must apply for a Certificate of Registration to confirm their New Zealand citizenship.
- Grant of Citizenship
People who have permanent residence, may (generally after 5 years residence in New Zealand) apply for a Grant of Citizenship. They must meet the conditions of the Grant.
- Letter of confirmation of permanent residence from Immigration New Zealand
- Local official confirmation of residence in the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau
- New Zealand birth certificate
A person born in New Zealand is only considered a New Zealand citizen by birth if:
- they were born in New Zealand before 1 January 2006 or
- after 1 January 2006:
- one parent is a New Zealand citizen or
- one parent had a visa allowing them to reside in New Zealand
- New Zealand passport
To hold a New Zealand passport you must be a New Zealand citizen.
- Passport (other than a New Zealand passport) containing a residence class visa granted under the Immigration Act 2009
- Passport (other than a New Zealand passport) containing a residence permit granted under the Immigration Act 1987
