Citizenship by Descent
 

One of TVNZ's news programmes has produced a short news feature concerning New Zealand citizens by descent, who are unable to pass on citizenship to any children born outside NZ.
http://tvnz.co.nz/seven-sharp/citize...-video-5853597

In response, the New Zealand Citizenship Office has posted information on how to switch status to full New Zealand citizenship:
http://www.dia.govt.nz/Services-Citi...4?OpenDocument

Simple message is that a child who is "NZ by descent" who is aged under 16 and living in NZ can be upgraded to "full NZ" by a simple application. (those 16 or over normally need 5 years residence).

Very few of those eligible have taken up the option so far.

The process also works for children born overseas to "NZ by descent" parents. Once they are living in NZ with permanent residence, and are aged less than 16, they can be granted "full NZ" citizenship by application. There is no need to wait the normal 5 years.