In 2001, the Australian government of then-Prime Minister John Howard introduced a Special Category Visa for New Zealanders arriving in Australia allowing them to live and work here indefinitely, but citizenship is only an option after applying for a permanent residence permit.
Without citizenship, New Zealanders cannot vote in Australian elections.
They are also unable to access HELP Loans (HECS), the NDIS and some Centrelink support.
As of July 1, the new citizenship path is expected to affect about 350 thousand New Zealanders living here who can now plan for their future with greater certainty.
