Topic

Immigration and citizenship

This page contains different parts of laws about Immigration and citizenship.

Related Plain Language Law

Immigration Act 2009

Rules for entering and staying in New Zealand

Immigration Act 2009

This law's official name is the Immigration Act 2009

1: Title

Immigration Act 2009

When different parts of the Immigration Act 2009 take effect

2: Commencement

Immigration Act 2009

Getting Ready: Important Words and Rules for Understanding Immigration

Immigration Act 2009

Explains how New Zealand manages immigration and balances national interests with individual rights

3: Purpose

Immigration Act 2009

Explains the meanings of important words and terms used in the Immigration Act 2009

4: Interpretation

Immigration Act 2009

How to count days for immigration applications and appeals

6: How periods of time to be calculated

Immigration Act 2009

Explanation of secret information and its use in immigration cases

7: Meaning of classified information and proceedings involving classified information

Immigration Act 2009

Explaining when visas or entry permissions are mistakenly granted

8: Meaning of granting visa or entry permission as result of administrative error

Immigration Act 2009

When non-citizens are considered to be in New Zealand illegally

9: Meaning of unlawfully in New Zealand (in relation to person who is not New Zealand citizen)

Immigration Act 2009

What it means to be deported from New Zealand

10: Meaning of deported

Immigration Act 2009

Explaining when decision makers don't have to consider or explain immigration decisions

11: Meaning of absolute discretion of the decision maker

Immigration Act 2009

This law applies to everyone, including the New Zealand government

12: Act binds the Crown

Immigration Act 2009

Rules about entering New Zealand and making decisions on who can come in

Immigration Act 2009

Who can come into or stay in New Zealand

Immigration Act 2009

New Zealand citizens can always enter and stay in the country

13: New Zealand citizens may enter and be in New Zealand at any time

Immigration Act 2009

Non-citizens need a visa to enter and stay in New Zealand

14: Persons other than New Zealand citizens must hold visa to travel to and be in New Zealand

Immigration Act 2009

People who are not allowed to enter or stay in New Zealand

Immigration Act 2009

People with serious criminal records or past deportations can't enter New Zealand

15: Certain convicted or deported persons not eligible for visa or entry permission to enter or be in New Zealand

Immigration Act 2009

Who can't enter New Zealand due to security or crime risks

16: Certain other persons not eligible for visa or entry permission

Immigration Act 2009

When you might still be allowed to get a visa or enter New Zealand despite being ineligible

17: Exceptions to non-eligibility for visa or entry permission

Immigration Act 2009

People who are in New Zealand without permission

Immigration Act 2009

You must leave New Zealand if you're here without permission

18: Obligation of persons unlawfully in New Zealand to leave New Zealand

Immigration Act 2009

Immigration chief must inform visitors about leaving New Zealand when visa expires

19: Duty of chief executive to communicate obligation to leave New Zealand

Immigration Act 2009

People in New Zealand without permission can't apply to stay, except with special approval

20: No right for person unlawfully in New Zealand to apply for visa

Immigration Act 2009

People without permission to be in New Zealand can't work or study here

21: No right for person unlawfully in New Zealand to work or study

Immigration Act 2009

Rules about who can come to New Zealand and how

Immigration Act 2009

Rules for setting and applying immigration policies and visa requirements

22: Immigration instructions

Immigration Act 2009

Rules for classifying different types of immigration instructions

23: Immigration instructions classified as residence instructions, temporary entry instructions, or transit instructions

Immigration Act 2009

Rules for when visa applications are no longer processed

24: Immigration instructions for lapsing of applications for visas

Immigration Act 2009

Immigration instructions must be publicly available and accessible

25: Publication of immigration instructions

Immigration Act 2009

How the government handles requests for visas and permission to enter New Zealand

Immigration Act 2009

Processing rules for visa and entry permission applications and claims

26: How claims and applications for visas and entry permission processed

Immigration Act 2009

Explaining why choices are made

Immigration Act 2009

You can ask for written reasons if you're refused a visa or entry to New Zealand

27: Reasons for decisions must be given if visa or entry permission refused to certain persons

Immigration Act 2009

Rules about using computers and special body information to make choices

Immigration Act 2009

Computer systems can make decisions about visas and entry to New Zealand

28: Automated decision making in relation to visas, etc

Immigration Act 2009

Computer system used to decide if you can enter New Zealand before you travel

29: Automated decision making in advance passenger processing

Immigration Act 2009

How biometric data can be used for immigration decisions and identity checks

30: Use of biometric information in decision making

Immigration Act 2009

Rules for collecting and storing your physical identity information

31: Collection and storage of biometric information

Immigration Act 2009

Department must assess privacy impacts when collecting biometric data

32: Department to undertake privacy impact assessment

Immigration Act 2009

Decisions can be made using secret information

Immigration Act 2009

Secret information about security or crime can be used for immigration decisions

33: Classified information relating to security or criminal conduct may be relied on in decision making

Immigration Act 2009

Minister can receive confidential immigration information

34: Minister may receive briefing

Immigration Act 2009

Keeping special secret information private in immigration decisions

35: Protection of classified information

Immigration Act 2009

Decision-makers must consider all relevant information, including classified data, for fair immigration decisions

36: Classified information must be balanced

Immigration Act 2009

Changing or removing secret information used in immigration decisions

37: Withdrawal or updating of classified information

Immigration Act 2009

Preparing a summary of secret information allegations for your review

38: Summary of allegations to be developed

Immigration Act 2009

Explaining decisions made using secret information and your rights

39: Reasons, etc, to be given where prejudicial decision made using classified information

Immigration Act 2009

When secret information can be used without giving you details or reasons

40: Where classified information may be relied on without requirement for summary or reasons

Immigration Act 2009

How the government can make secret immigration information public

41: Declassification of classified information

Immigration Act 2009

Rules about Visit Passes and Permission to Stay in New Zealand

Immigration Act 2009

Immigration Act 2009

A visa allows you to travel to, enter, and stay in New Zealand under specific conditions

43: Effect of visa

Immigration Act 2009

You can only have one active visa at a time

44: Person may hold only 1 current visa

Immigration Act 2009

Visa decisions are made at the discretion of immigration officials

45: Grant of visa generally matter of discretion

Immigration Act 2009

Having a visa doesn't always mean you can enter New Zealand

46: Grant of visa does not guarantee entry permission

Immigration Act 2009

Rules that come with a visa

Immigration Act 2009

Visas can have specific rules and limits attached

49: Visas may be subject to conditions

Immigration Act 2009

Rules for changing conditions on your resident visa

50: Conditions on resident visas

Immigration Act 2009

You can request changes to your resident visa travel conditions

51: Resident visa holder may apply for variation of travel conditions

Immigration Act 2009

Rules for most temporary entry visas can be changed

52: Conditions on temporary entry class visas (other than those subject to restricted temporary entry instructions)

Immigration Act 2009

Minister can change conditions for special temporary visas

53: Conditions on temporary entry class visas subject to restricted temporary entry instructions

Immigration Act 2009

Rules for transit visas can be changed or added

54: Conditions on transit visas

Immigration Act 2009

You must follow all the rules that come with your visa

56: Visa holder must comply with conditions

Immigration Act 2009

Rules about how visas work

Immigration Act 2009

How to apply for a visa and provide necessary information

57: Applications for visas

Immigration Act 2009

You must provide all relevant information and report any changes when applying for a visa

58: Obligation on applicant to inform of all relevant facts, including changed circumstances

Immigration Act 2009

Rules for visa applications from people under 18 who aren't married

59: Applications by minors

Immigration Act 2009

Visa applicants must provide biometric data like fingerprints or photos

60: Biometric information may be required from visa applicant

Immigration Act 2009

Minister can grant visa without application in special circumstances

61: Grant of visa in special case

Immigration Act 2009

Your visa details are stored in official records and may include travel and stay conditions

62: Form of visa

Immigration Act 2009

When visas can be cancelled or end

64: Cancellation of visa on triggering event

Immigration Act 2009

Rules for cancelling a resident visa if you haven't entered New Zealand yet

65: Cancellation of resident visa before holder first arrives in New Zealand as holder of visa

Immigration Act 2009

Minister or immigration officer can cancel temporary or transit visas

66: Cancellation of temporary entry class or transit visa by Minister or immigration officer

Immigration Act 2009

Fixing mistakes: When a visa is given by accident

67: Cancellation of visa for administrative error

Immigration Act 2009

When a visa is given by mistake, you might be offered a different one

68: Grant of further visa where visa granted in error

Immigration Act 2009

Sometimes you don't need a visa to travel to New Zealand

Immigration Act 2009

When visa requirements for entering New Zealand can be waived

69: Waiver of requirement for visa permitting travel to New Zealand in certain cases

Immigration Act 2009

Immigration Act 2009

Different types of visas for living in, visiting, or passing through New Zealand

70: Classes of visa

Immigration Act 2009

Special documents that let people live in New Zealand for a long time

Immigration Act 2009

Who can apply to live permanently in New Zealand

71: Who may apply for residence class visa

Immigration Act 2009

How Immigration decides on your residence visa application

72: Decisions on applications for residence class visa

Immigration Act 2009

Permanent resident visa holders can live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely

73: Currency and nature of permanent resident visa

Immigration Act 2009

Resident visa allows entry, work, and study in New Zealand with certain conditions

74: Currency and nature of resident visa

Immigration Act 2009

Former citizens can stay in NZ with resident visa-like status

75: Former New Zealand citizens deemed to hold resident visa

Immigration Act 2009

Rules for all short-stay visas

Immigration Act 2009

How decisions are made on temporary visa applications, including exceptions

76: Decisions on applications for temporary entry class visa

Immigration Act 2009

Temporary entry visas: how long they last and what you can do with them

77: Currency and nature of temporary entry class visa

Immigration Act 2009

Automatic extension of temporary visas during epidemics

78: Deemed extension of temporary entry class visa expiring during epidemic

Immigration Act 2009

Rules for short-term visas that let people visit New Zealand for a while

Immigration Act 2009

Rules about who can ask for a temporary visa to enter or stay in New Zealand

79: Who may apply for temporary visa

Immigration Act 2009

Rules about short-term visas that help people stay while waiting for their main visa

Immigration Act 2009

Temporary visa to cover you while your new visa application is being processed

80: Interim visa

Immigration Act 2009

Rules for short-term visas that have special limits

Immigration Act 2009

Who can request a limited visa for entering or staying in New Zealand

81: Who may apply for limited visa

Immigration Act 2009

Limited visa may replace temporary visa to manage risk of overstaying

82: Grant of limited visa rather than temporary visa applied for or held

Immigration Act 2009

Special visa for people involved in criminal cases or legal assistance

83: Grant of limited visa in relation to criminal matters

Immigration Act 2009

How long a limited visa lasts and when it can end early

84: Currency of limited visa

Trade Marks Act 2002

You can ask Customs to stop goods that copy your trade mark

137: Notice may be given to chief executive

Trade Marks Act 2002

Letting go of seized items: When it's okay to give back held goods

150: When detained goods may be released

Trade Marks Act 2002

You can agree to let the government keep goods they think might break the law

151: Forfeiture of goods by consent

Trade Marks Act 2002

What customs officers can do to make sure people follow the rules

Trade Marks Act 2002

Customs officers can take goods they think are connected to trademark crimes

155A: Customs officer may seize goods in control of Customs

Trade Marks Act 2002

Customs officer can ask a judge to see important documents for investigating import crimes

155D: Customs officer may apply for production order

Trade Marks Act 2002

Customs boss can ask for papers about stuff they're watching

155B: Chief executive may require person to produce documents concerning goods in control of Customs

Trade Marks Act 2002

Customs boss can ask you to explain goods that might be illegal

155C: Chief executive may require person to appear and answer questions concerning goods in control of Customs

Trade Marks Act 2002

Customs officers can ask for permission to search places for things that break import rules

155G: Issue of search warrants to Customs officers

Trade Marks Act 2002

What Customs officers can do with papers people give them

155F: Powers of Customs officer to whom documents produced

Trade Marks Act 2002

The right to not say things that might get you in trouble

155H: Privilege against self-incrimination

Trade Marks Act 2002

What happens if you don't follow the rules when dealing with Customs officers

155J: Offences

Trade Marks Act 2002

Doing your job honestly and carefully means you won't get in trouble

155K: No liability if powers exercised in good faith

Trade Marks Act 2002

Customs can hold goods they think have fake logos or brand names

135A: Detention of goods suspected of bearing infringing sign

Income Tax Act 2007

Tax rules for short-term visitors earning money in New Zealand

CW 19: Amounts derived during short-term visits

Income Tax Act 2007

Tax exemption for foreign crew on visiting pleasure boats

CW 21: Amounts derived by visiting crew of pleasure craft

Income Tax Act 2007

Tax exemption for overseas experts and trainees visiting NZ under government agreements

CW 22: Amounts derived by overseas experts and trainees in New Zealand by government arrangement

Income Tax Act 2007

How to calculate money owed to you when financial rules start applying

EW 41: Consideration when person enters rules: accrued entitlement

Income Tax Act 2007

Exemption for certain overseas investments affected by exchange controls

EX 40: Foreign exchange control exemption

Income Tax Act 2007

Rules for reporting foreign investments when moving to New Zealand

EX 41: Income interest of non-resident or transitional resident

Income Tax Act 2007

Rules for foreign investments when your New Zealand residency changes

EX 64: Migration of persons holding FIF interests

Income Tax Act 2007

Employers' responsibilities for income tax of non-New Zealand employees

HD 27: Employers

Income Tax Act 2007

Tax benefits for new residents returning to New Zealand after a long absence

HR 8: Transitional residents

Income Tax Act 2007

You must live in New Zealand or be eligible for an emergency benefit

MC 5: Third requirement: residence or entitlement to emergency benefit

Income Tax Act 2007

You must meet specific residency requirements to qualify for the in-work tax credit

MD 7: Third requirement: residence

Income Tax Act 2007

Rules for foreign investors in special New Zealand investment funds

HM 55D: Requirements for investors in foreign investment PIEs

Income Tax Act 2007

How new residents' investment tax rates are determined

HM 57B: Prescribed investor rates for new residents

Income Tax Act 2007

How tax works for people working across different countries

CE 1F: Treatment of amounts derived by cross-border employees

Wildlife Act 1953

Rules from the Customs Act apply when exporting protected wildlife or items made from them

56A: Application of Customs and Excise Act 2018

Biosecurity Act 1993

How to set up a group to review decisions, as outlined in the Biosecurity Act 1993

22A: Process for independent review panel to be established

Biosecurity Act 1993

Protecting New Zealand from Harmful Pests and Organisms

Biosecurity Act 1993

The Biosecurity Act 1993: What it's Called and When it Started

1: Short Title and commencement

Biosecurity Act 1993

What words mean in the Biosecurity Act 1993

2: Interpretation

Biosecurity Act 1993

This law also applies to the sea close to New Zealand's coast, allowing foreign ships to pass through safely.

4: Application of Act in territorial sea

Biosecurity Act 1993

How the Biosecurity Act 1993 works with other New Zealand laws.

7: Relationship with other enactments

Biosecurity Act 1993

Who's in Charge

Biosecurity Act 1993

The Minister's job is to make sure the Biosecurity Act 1993 is followed and everything runs smoothly.

8: Responsibilities of responsible Minister

Biosecurity Act 1993

What the Minister in Charge Can Do

9: Powers of responsible Minister

Biosecurity Act 1993

What extra powers Ministers have to help keep New Zealand safe from biosecurity threats

11: Other powers of Ministers

Biosecurity Act 1993

The Minister can ask for information from councils or agencies to help with biosecurity work.

12: Responsible Minister may require information

Biosecurity Act 1993

What powers do local councils have to help keep our environment safe and healthy?

14: Powers of territorial authorities

Biosecurity Act 1993

Importing Risky Goods

Biosecurity Act 1993

Keeping New Zealand safe from harmful imports

16: Purpose of Part 3

Biosecurity Act 1993

When boats or planes arrive in New Zealand

Biosecurity Act 1993

Tell the government when your boat or plane is arriving in New Zealand

17: Notice of craft's intended arrival in New Zealand

Biosecurity Act 1993

Telling officials when a boat or ship arrives in New Zealand

18: Arrival of craft in New Zealand

Biosecurity Act 1993

People in charge of boats must follow an inspector's instructions to keep New Zealand safe.

19: Persons in charge of certain craft to obey directions of inspector or authorised person

Biosecurity Act 1993

Rules to keep New Zealand safe when bringing in things that might be harmful.

Biosecurity Act 1993

Old rule about permits for importing healthy things, no longer in use

20: Import health permits

Biosecurity Act 1993

Rules for getting permits to import healthy things are no longer used.

21: Criteria for issue of import health permits

Biosecurity Act 1993

What you must do to safely bring goods into New Zealand

22: Meaning of import health standard

Biosecurity Act 1993

How a new import health standard is created and approved

23: From draft to recommendation

Biosecurity Act 1993

Checking if concerns about import health standards were properly considered

24: Review

Biosecurity Act 1993

Checking goods that might harm New Zealand's environment or people is called clearance of risk goods

Biosecurity Act 1993

Getting permission to bring goods into New Zealand

25: Goods to be cleared for entry into New Zealand

Biosecurity Act 1993

Inspectors check goods before they can come into New Zealand

26: Clearances by inspectors

Biosecurity Act 1993

Rules for letting goods into New Zealand after an inspector checks them

27: Requirements for clearances

Biosecurity Act 1993

Rules for letting goods into New Zealand with no nasty organisms

28: Restrictions on giving clearances

Biosecurity Act 1993

What happens if someone thinks a new organism has been found in New Zealand

28A: Dealing with suspected new organism

Biosecurity Act 1993

Getting approval for new organisms so you don't have to follow some biosecurity rules

28B: Biosecurity clearance for certain new organisms and qualifying organisms

Biosecurity Act 1993

Keep restricted organisms safe and contained in special areas

29: Restricted organisms to be contained

Biosecurity Act 1993

Checking and telling the truth about goods being brought into the country

Biosecurity Act 1993

Goods you must give to inspectors when arriving in New Zealand

30: Uncleared imports

Biosecurity Act 1993

Checking goods that arrive in New Zealand without an owner to keep everyone safe

30A: Processing unaccompanied goods

Biosecurity Act 1993

Inspectors can stop and check planes, boats, and other craft for risk goods.

31: Boarding of craft

Biosecurity Act 1993

Controlling boats or planes that might have pests or diseases

32: Powers relating to craft

Biosecurity Act 1993

What to do with risky items on a boat coming into New Zealand

33: Risk goods on board craft

Biosecurity Act 1993

Getting off a boat or plane in New Zealand: following the rules to keep the country safe

34: Disembarkation

Biosecurity Act 1993

What to do if you're in a biosecurity control area: answer questions and show ID honestly

35: Duties of persons in biosecurity control areas

Biosecurity Act 1993

Rules for moving risky items in special areas

36: Movement of risk goods

Biosecurity Act 1993

The government approves ports where boats and planes can first arrive in New Zealand if they have good systems in place to manage risks.

37: Approval of ports as places of first arrival

Biosecurity Act 1993

Getting permission to arrive at a New Zealand port that's not usually allowed

37A: Approval of arrival of craft at port not approved as place of first arrival

Biosecurity Act 1993

When a port breaks the rules, the Director-General can stop or change its approval.

37B: Suspension of approval

Biosecurity Act 1993

Rules for people who run ports to be fair and honest with users

37C: Port operators

Biosecurity Act 1993

The boss of biosecurity must talk to other important government bosses before making big decisions.

37D: Director-General to consult chief executives

Biosecurity Act 1993

Keeping track of the goods you bring into New Zealand

38: Importers' records

Biosecurity Act 1993

Rules for approving and cancelling special biosecurity facilities

39: Approval and cancellation of approval of transitional facilities and containment facilities

Biosecurity Act 1993

Who can run a facility with certain goods and what rules they must follow

40: Approval and cancellation of approval of facility operators

Biosecurity Act 1993

Setting up a quarantine area to stop pests and diseases from spreading

41: Designation of quarantine area

Biosecurity Act 1993

Stopping pests and diseases

Biosecurity Act 1993

Keeping New Zealand safe from pests and unwanted organisms

42: Purpose of Part 4

Biosecurity Act 1993

Tell authorities what you know to help keep New Zealand pest-free

43: Duty to provide information

Biosecurity Act 1993

Tell the Ministry if you find an organism that shouldn't be in New Zealand

44: General duty to inform

Biosecurity Act 1993

Organisms that must be reported to help keep New Zealand safe

45: Notifiable organisms

Biosecurity Act 1993

Tell someone in charge if you think you've found a harmful organism in New Zealand

46: Duty to report notifiable organisms

Biosecurity Act 1993

Goods that might harm New Zealand when brought in from other countries

47: Imported risk goods

Biosecurity Act 1993

Authorities can ask you for information about certain organisms or materials to help keep New Zealand safe.

48: Power to require information

Biosecurity Act 1993

Sharing information about animal and plant health and pests

49: Use of information

Biosecurity Act 1993

Ways to identify organisms and products to keep New Zealand safe and meet export rules

50: Identification systems

Biosecurity Act 1993

Be careful with labels on living things and only use allowed names

51: Duties relating to identification of organisms

Biosecurity Act 1993

Don't spread pests or unwanted organisms unless you have special permission

52: Communication of pest or unwanted organism

Biosecurity Act 1993

Looking after pests: what owners must do

53: Duties of owners of organisms

Biosecurity Act 1993

Pest control rules

Biosecurity Act 1993

Protecting New Zealand from harmful organisms and their effects

54: Purpose of this Part

Biosecurity Act 1993

The Minister can choose who decides how to stop harmful organisms from spreading.

55: Responsible Minister may assign responsibility for decisions

Biosecurity Act 1993

Guiding rules to help make good decisions

Biosecurity Act 1993

The Minister makes a plan to help keep New Zealand safe from pests and diseases.

56: Responsible Minister provides leadership through national policy direction

Biosecurity Act 1993

How the government makes a national policy direction plan and gets feedback on it

57: Process for making national policy direction

Biosecurity Act 1993

How to change New Zealand's national policy direction in a big or small way

58: Process for amending or revoking and replacing national policy direction

Biosecurity Act 1993

What special words mean in the pest management rules

59: Definitions for sections 60 to 67

Biosecurity Act 1993

What happens when rules and plans disagree with the law

60: Relationship of rules and plan with law

Biosecurity Act 1993

Creating a pest control plan starts with a proposal that outlines the problem and a solution.

61: First step: plan initiated by proposal

Biosecurity Act 1993

The Minister checks if a pest control plan is a good idea and follows the rules.

62: Second step: satisfaction on requirements

Biosecurity Act 1993

The Minister checks if everyone affected has been asked about the plan and decides if more talking is needed.

63: Third step: satisfaction with consultation or requirement of more consultation

Biosecurity Act 1993

The Minister approves a pest management plan and chooses the group to be in charge of it.

64: Fourth step: approval of preparation of plan and decision on management agency

Biosecurity Act 1993

The Minister checks the plan to ensure it follows the rules and is fair and good for New Zealand.

65: Fifth step: satisfaction on contents of plan and requirements

Biosecurity Act 1993

Creating a biosecurity plan with the Minister's approval

66: Making of plan

Biosecurity Act 1993

When the Minister says you don't have to follow a rule, with or without conditions.

67: Exemptions from rules

Biosecurity Act 1993

What special words mean in sections 69 to 78 of the Biosecurity Act

68: Definitions for sections 69 to 78

Biosecurity Act 1993

How rules for pest management work with other New Zealand laws

69: Relationship of rules with law

Biosecurity Act 1993

Creating a pest control plan starts with a proposal that outlines the problem, goals, and costs.

70: First step: plan initiated by proposal

Biosecurity Act 1993

Council checks the pest plan is fair, follows rules, and will work before making a decision.

71: Second step: satisfaction on requirements

Biosecurity Act 1993

Creating a plan: how the council makes and approves a biosecurity plan

77: Making of plan

Biosecurity Act 1993

When rules don't apply: getting an exemption from a regional pest management plan

78: Exemptions from rules

Biosecurity Act 1993

What special words mean in sections 80 to 87 of the Biosecurity Act

79: Definitions for sections 80 to 87

Biosecurity Act 1993

What happens when rules and plans disagree with other laws

80: Relationship of rules and plan with laws

Biosecurity Act 1993

Someone suggests a plan to help manage pathways and explains how it will work

81: First step: plan initiated by proposal

Biosecurity Act 1993

The Minister checks if a proposal follows the rules and is a good idea for New Zealand.

82: Second step: satisfaction on requirements

Biosecurity Act 1993

The Minister checks if everyone was asked for their thoughts and is happy with the feedback before moving on.

83: Third step: satisfaction with consultation or requirement of more consultation

Biosecurity Act 1993

The Minister approves a plan to manage a biosecurity problem and chooses who will be in charge.

84: Fourth step: approval of preparation of plan and decision on management agency

Biosecurity Act 1993

The Minister checks the plan to ensure it follows the rules and is fair and good for New Zealand.

85: Fifth step: satisfaction on contents of plan and requirements

Biosecurity Act 1993

Creating a biosecurity plan that becomes a law

86: Making of plan

Biosecurity Act 1993

What special words mean in sections 89 to 98 of the Biosecurity Act

88: Definitions for sections 89 to 98

Biosecurity Act 1993

How rules work together with other laws

89: Relationship of rules with law

Biosecurity Act 1993

Creating a plan starts with a proposal that outlines what the plan is, what it wants to achieve, and how it will work.

90: First step: plan initiated by proposal

Biosecurity Act 1993

Checking if everyone's been heard: is the consultation good enough or does it need more work?

92: Third step: satisfaction with consultation or requirement of more consultation

Biosecurity Act 1993

The council approves a plan and chooses who's in charge of it to manage regional pathways.

93: Fourth step: approval of preparation of plan and decision on management agency

Biosecurity Act 1993

Asking the Environment Court to check a regional plan

96: Application to Environment Court about plan

Biosecurity Act 1993

What special words mean in sections 100 to 100G of the Biosecurity Act 1993

99: Definitions for sections 100 to 100G

Student Loan Scheme Act 2011

The Commissioner can check when people enter or leave New Zealand

209: Power of Commissioner to access arrival or departure information

Companies Act 1993

Reserve your company name before doing business in New Zealand

333: Name to be reserved before carrying on business

Companies Act 1993

Overseas companies must register to do business in New Zealand

334: Overseas companies to register under this Act

Companies Act 1993

Rules for overseas companies using their names in New Zealand

338: Use of name by overseas company

Companies Act 1993

How foreign companies can become New Zealand companies

Companies Act 1993

How to apply to register an overseas company in New Zealand

345: Application for registration

Companies Act 1993

How to apply to move your company to another country

351: Application to transfer incorporation

Crimes Act 1961

Explains when someone is considered to be living in New Zealand as their main home

4: Meaning of ordinarily resident in New Zealand

Crimes Act 1961

New Zealand can try certain crimes committed overseas if they involve terrorism or other serious offences, even if none of it happened in New Zealand.

7A: Extraterritorial jurisdiction in respect of certain offences with transnational aspects

Crimes Act 1961

This section explains important words used in laws about smuggling and moving people illegally.

98B: Terms used in sections 98C to 98F

Crimes Act 1961

This law makes it illegal to help people enter a country when they're not allowed, especially if you get something in return.

98C: Smuggling migrants

Crimes Act 1961

Things that make smuggling or trafficking people a worse crime when deciding punishment

98E: Aggravating factors

Dog Control Act 1996

Some dogs are not allowed to be brought into the country.

Dog Control Act 1996

Some dog breeds are banned from entering New Zealand, check the rules before bringing a dog in.

30A: Prohibition on import of dogs listed in Schedule 4

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

Ensuring trustworthy advice for newcomers to New Zealand

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

This law's name tells us it's about rules for people who help with immigration in New Zealand

1: Title

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

When the rules for immigration advisers start working

2: Commencement

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

Rules for people who help with moving to New Zealand

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

This law makes rules to keep immigration advice safe and good

3: Purpose and scheme of Act

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

This law applies to everyone, including the government

4: Act binds the Crown

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

Understanding the important words and people in immigration advice

5: Interpretation

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

People who help with immigration must have a special permit, but some don't need one

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

You can't give immigration advice unless you have a special permission or don't need one

6: Prohibition on providing immigration advice unless licensed or exempt

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

This explains what counts as helping someone with their immigration to New Zealand

7: What constitutes immigration advice

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

Rules for people giving immigration advice from outside New Zealand

8: Offshore immigration advice

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

Rules about who can help you with immigration applications

9: Immigration applications or requests from unlicensed immigration advisers

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

Rules for becoming a licensed immigration adviser

10: Who may be licensed as immigration adviser

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

People who can give immigration advice without a licence

11: Persons exempt from licensing

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

Governor-General can make or remove rules about who needs a licence to help with immigration

12: Exemption, or removal of exemption, by Order in Council

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

How the Minister decides who doesn't need a licence to be an immigration adviser

13: Process for Minister to make recommendation

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

The Registrar checks exemptions and reports to the Minister, who can suggest changes

14: Review of exemptions

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

People who can't become licensed immigration advisers

15: Persons prohibited from licensing

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

People who might not be allowed to become immigration advisers

16: Persons subject to restriction on being licensed

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

Things the Registrar checks when deciding if you can be an immigration adviser

17: Other matters relevant to fitness for licensing

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

How someone becomes allowed to help with immigration

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

How to apply to become a licensed immigration adviser

18: Application for licence

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

How to get a licence to work as an immigration adviser

19: Granting of licence

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

How the Registrar checks if you're good at your job

20: Method of determining competence

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

Explaining why you didn't get an immigration adviser licence

21: Refusal to grant licence

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

How long your immigration adviser licence lasts

22: Duration of licence

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

How to get your licence again when it runs out

24: Renewal of licence

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

You can't give your immigration adviser licence to someone else

25: Licence may not be transferred

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

You must tell the Registrar about important changes in your life if you have or want a licence

26: Obligation to notify Registrar of change in circumstances

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

Stopping or taking away an immigration adviser's permission to work

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

When and why an immigration adviser can lose their licence

27: Cancellation of licence

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

How the Registrar cancels an adviser's licence

28: Process for cancellation

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

Your licence can be put on hold for a while

29: Suspension of licence

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

When does a cancelled or suspended licence stop working?

30: Effective date of cancellation or suspension

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

You can choose to stop being a licensed immigration adviser

31: Voluntary surrender of licence

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

Registrar writes down when someone loses or gives up their licence

32: Registrar must record cancellation, suspension, or surrender of licence

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

Your immigration adviser licence will end if you don't renew it on time

33: Expiry of licence

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

People who make sure immigration advisers follow the rules

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

A special group is set up to look after immigration advisers

34: Immigration Advisers Authority established

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

What the Immigration Advisers Authority does

35: Functions of Authority

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

The Registrar makes rules for immigration advisers to follow

36: Registrar to develop competency standards

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

Registrar makes rules for immigration advisers to follow

37: Registrar to develop code of conduct

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

The code of conduct and competency standards must be made available for everyone to see and access.

38: Publication of code of conduct and competency standards

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

This part of the law about immigration advisers' rules no longer exists

39: Application of Legislation Act 2012 to code and standards

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

A group that deals with complaints about people who help with immigration

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

A special group is set up to deal with complaints about immigration advisers

40: Immigration Advisers Complaints and Disciplinary Tribunal established

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

The Tribunal's jobs: making decisions about immigration adviser problems

41: Functions of Tribunal

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

The Ministry of Justice helps the Tribunal do its job

42: Services for Tribunal

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

Special rules for how the Tribunal works and handles cases

43: Further provisions in relation to Tribunal and its proceedings

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

Rules for dealing with problems and punishments

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

How to report problems with immigration advisers

44: Complaints against immigration advisers

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

What happens when someone complains about an immigration adviser

45: Procedure on receipt of complaint by Registrar

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

Registrar can complain about immigration advisers and send it to Tribunal

46: Registrar may refer complaint to Tribunal of own motion

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

Getting a complaint ready to be looked at by a special group

47: Preparation of complaint for referral to Tribunal

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

How the Registrar sends a complaint to the Tribunal

48: Filing complaint with Tribunal

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

How the Tribunal handles complaints and makes decisions

49: Proceedings before Tribunal

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

How the Tribunal decides on complaints about immigration advisers

50: Determination of complaint by Tribunal

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

What happens if an immigration adviser does something wrong

51: Disciplinary sanctions

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

How the Tribunal's rules for immigration advisers are made to work

52: Enforcement of disciplinary sanctions

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

The adviser's licence can be put on hold if someone complains about them

53: Suspension of licence pending outcome of complaint

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

You can ask the Tribunal to check if your complaint should be looked at

54: Appeal to Tribunal against determination by Registrar to reject complaint

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

You can challenge a decision to cancel your adviser licence

55: Appeal to Tribunal against determination by Registrar to cancel licence

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

Checking up on people who help with immigration

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

Why inspections happen for immigration advisers

56: Purposes of inspection

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

Inspectors can check places and papers connected to immigration advice

57: Inspection powers

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

This part about looking for evidence of crimes was removed from the law

58: Inspection powers for investigating offences

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

You don't have to answer questions that might make you look guilty

59: Privilege against self-incrimination

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

Rules for entering someone's home for inspections

60: Entry of dwellinghouses

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

A special permission to enter a house where someone might be giving immigration advice

61: Entry warrant

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

Rules for inspectors who check immigration advisers

62: Conditions of authorisation

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

Rules about things immigration advisers must not do

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

You can only help with immigration if you have permission or don't need it

63: Offence to provide immigration advice unless licensed or exempt

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

You can't say someone gives immigration advice if they're not allowed to

64: Offence of holding out as immigration adviser unless licensed or exempt

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

It's against the law to say someone is a licensed immigration adviser when they're not

65: Offence of holding out as licensed immigration adviser

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

You can get in trouble for giving wrong information when applying for a licence

66: Offence to provide false or misleading information

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

You can get in big trouble for charging money for immigration advice if you're not allowed to give it

67: Offence of asking for or receiving fee or reward for immigration advice when neither licensed nor exempt

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

It's against the law to hire someone as an immigration adviser if they're not allowed to do that job

68: Offence of employing or contracting unlicensed or non-exempt person as immigration adviser

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

You can get in trouble for stopping someone from doing their job

69: Offence to obstruct inspection

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

Breaking the law by not telling about important changes if you help with immigration

70: Offence to fail to notify change in circumstances

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

Paying back people you hurt when breaking immigration rules

71: Reparation

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

Extra punishment if you made money by breaking immigration advice rules

72: Additional penalty for offence involving commercial gain

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

You can get in trouble for breaking this law even if you're not in New Zealand

73: Offences also apply outside New Zealand

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

If you're accused of giving immigration advice without a licence, the law assumes you need one

74: Presumption as to non-exemption

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

When can someone be charged for breaking immigration adviser rules?

75: Time for filing charging document

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

Rules and details about immigration advisers and how their information is managed

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

People doing jobs for this law must work on their own without outside influence.

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

People who decide about immigration can't also decide about immigration advisers' licences

76: Independence of persons carrying out functions under Act

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

A list of people allowed to give advice about coming to New Zealand

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

A list of approved immigration helpers and their information

77: Register of licensed immigration advisers

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

What information is kept about immigration advisers

78: Contents of register

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

Keeping the list of immigration helpers up to date

79: Alterations to register

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

You can look up licensed immigration advisers for free or get a copy for a fee

80: Search of register

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

You can ask for changes to decisions made about immigration advisers

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

You can challenge decisions about immigration adviser licences in court

81: Right of appeal

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

The court can let you work while waiting for a decision on your appeal

82: District Court may make interim order

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

What happens when you get temporary permission to give immigration advice

83: Effect of interim order

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

How the court decides on your appeal against a decision

84: Determination of appeal

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

You can ask the High Court to check if a District Court's decision followed the law correctly

85: Appeal to High Court on question of law

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

Yearly report on how the Tribunal did its job

86: Annual report on performance of Tribunal's functions

Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007

Registrar can ask employees to do some of their work

87: Power of Registrar to delegate

Land Transport Act 1998

Customs keeps imported vehicles until they meet New Zealand's rules

213: Customs control over imported vehicles

Land Transport Act 1998

You must collect and keep records about cars you bring into New Zealand

194: Requirement to collect and keep information and records for purposes of clean vehicle standard

Employment Relations Act 2000

What is a banning order: a court order to stop you employing people if you broke employment rules

142M: Banning orders

Social Security Act 2018

Who can get government help based on where they live

16: Residential requirement

Social Security Act 2018

No benefit for people living in New Zealand illegally or on temporary visas

19: General limitation on receiving benefit: persons unlawfully resident or present in New Zealand and persons holding temporary entry class visa

Social Security Act 2018

Minister can write a notice when overseas diseases stop visitors from going home

99: Overseas epidemics affecting visitors to New Zealand: Minister may give overseas epidemic management notice

Social Security Act 2018

Help for visitors stuck in New Zealand because of sickness in their home country

100: Special assistance for visitors affected by overseas epidemics

Social Security Act 2018

How to tell people about the rules for going overseas

Social Security Act 2018

MSD can ask you to help your dependant get a pension from another country

175: MSD may give notice requiring person to take reasonable steps to obtain overseas pension for dependant

Social Security Act 2018

Explaining what words mean in benefit and overseas pension rules

187: Interpretation

Social Security Act 2018

How overseas pensions can change your New Zealand benefits

188: Persons affected by receipt of overseas pension

Social Security Act 2018

How being a refugee or protected person can change your benefit

Social Security Act 2018

Financial help for refugees and others in special situations

205: Refugee or protected person status

Social Security Act 2018

You usually can't get benefit payments when you're outside New Zealand

219: General rule: benefit not payable while beneficiary absent from New Zealand

Social Security Act 2018

Rules about how overseas pensions affect your New Zealand benefits

434: Regulations: factors affecting benefits: overseas pensions

Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017

What words mean in laws about business and trade

325: Interpretation

Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017

Ship owner can handle goods if you don't collect them on time

326: Shipowner may enter and land goods in default of entry and landing by owner of goods

Fair Trading Act 1986

Rules about being honest when sending things to China

51: Application of Act to goods that are, or may be, exported to China

Fair Trading Act 1986

You can't bring some things into New Zealand that aren't allowed

33: Importation of certain goods prohibited

Accident Compensation Act 2001

What it means to live in New Zealand as your main home

17: Ordinarily resident in New Zealand

Accident Compensation Act 2001

Getting compensation payments when you're hurt and outside New Zealand

127: Payment of weekly compensation and lump sum compensation to claimant outside New Zealand

About this project

What is this project?

This project is an experiment to take difficult language, and make it easier to read and understand for everyone.

How do we do this?

What's our process for taking the law and turning it into plain language?

Why is the law written like it is?

Laws are often hard to read. They use a lot of words and language we don't usually use when we talk.

Should we use AI for this?

What are the good and bad sides of using AI?

Is this information the actual law?

We hope that this information will help people understand New Zealand laws. But we think that it's important you talk to someone who understands the law well if you have questions or are worried about something.

You can talk to Community Law or Citizen's Advice Bureau about your rights.

Remember that AI can make mistakes, and just reading the law isn't enough to understand how it could be used in court.