If you were born before 1 January 1978, you can get New Zealand citizenship if your mother was a New Zealand citizen at the time of your birth. The Minister will approve your application if you apply in the correct way, unless something in section 8 or section 9 says otherwise. You will need to follow the prescribed process to make your application.

You cannot get citizenship under this rule if you have already lost your New Zealand citizenship by order under section 16 or section 17, or if you have given up your citizenship under section 15. The Minister's decision is based on your individual situation and the rules that apply to you.

The rules about getting citizenship are set out in the Citizenship Act 1977, and you can find more information about the process and the rules that apply to you by reading the Act and following the links to section 8, section 9, section 15, section 16, and section 17.