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

Related Plain Language Law
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
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
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 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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
The Biosecurity Act 1993: What it's Called and When it Started
1: Short Title and commencement
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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 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 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
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
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
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
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?
How do we do this?
Why is the law written like it is?
Should we use AI for this?
Is this information the actual law?
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.