About

Oz Kiwi was the peak body representing New Zealanders in Australia between 2013 to 2024.

Mission

Oz Kiwi campaigned for the fair treatment of New Zealanders living in Australia.

Our mission was for all New Zealanders who have made Australia their home to have:

• a fair pathway to citizenship; and
• equitable access to government services;

after no more than five years residence in Australia.

Mission accomplished

On 22 April 2023 the Albanese Labor Government announced a new direct citizenship pathway for New Zealand citizens living in Australia. Non-protected Special Category Visa-holders who have resided in Australia for at least the past four years can apply for citizenship from the 1 July 2023 without needing to apply for a permanent visa.

Structure

Oz Kiwi was run by a small team of volunteers working remotely across Australia and New Zealand.

Governance

Oz Kiwi was a Not for Profit, registered as a Registrable Australian Body with ASIC.

The name Oz Kiwi and the Oz Kiwi logo are registered trademarks. They cannot be reproduced without prior authorisation.

History of Oz Kiwi

Established in 2013, Oz Kiwi was a not-for-profit run by volunteers and entirely funded by public donations. The organisation wound up on 30 June 2024.

The campaign began when New Zealanders living in Australia learnt that from 1 July 2013 they would have to pay the additional National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Medicare levy, but as temporary residents would not be able to access the scheme.

See our History page for a full timeline of Oz Kiwi's advocacy work and key milestones since 2013.

Submissions to Select Committees and inquiries

Oz Kiwi made a number of submissions to government inquiries, on a range of policy issues. Most have been in response to proposed legislation that would impact on New Zealander's living in Australia.