About
Oz Kiwi is the peak body representing New Zealanders in Australia.
Mission
Oz Kiwi has campaigned since 2013 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 is run by a small team of volunteers working remotely across Australia and New Zealand.
Governance
Oz Kiwi is 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 is a not-for-profit run by volunteers and entirely funded by public donations.
Our campaign has advocated for the fair treatment of New Zealanders living in Australia, and for a fair, affordable pathway to citizenship for New Zealanders who call Australia home.
Since 26 February 2001 New Zealander arrivals are granted a Special Category Visa (SCV) and are temporary residents for immigration purposes. The SCV had a limited pathway to permanent residence or citizenship.
The campaign began when New Zealanders living in Australia learnt that from 1 July 2013 they would have to pay the new National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Medicare levy, but as a temporary residents would not be able to access the scheme.
Several Kiwi rights Facebook groups realised they were working towards the same aim. Early in 2013 they merged under the combined name of the largest group ‘Oz Kiwi’. Ten years on our goal was realised on 22 April 2023 when the Albanese Labor Government announced a new direct citizenship pathway for New Zealanders living in Australia.
Advocating to government
In June 2015 we took our petition to Federal Parliament and met with Federal Senators and Members of Parliament. We also presented a copy of the petition to the New Zealand High Commission for Prime Minister John Key. We have returned to Canberra several times to advocate for New Zealanders rights in Australia.
Submissions to Select Committees and inquiries
Oz Kiwi has 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.