Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden announced that Aspeq Limited has been selected to provide the in-person citizenship test which will become part of the citizenship by grant process from late 2027.
“Selecting a provider for the design phase is an important step towards implementing the test,” says Ms van Velden.
“Citizenship is a commitment to our shared responsibilities and privileges. By ensuring applicants understand these responsibilities and privileges, we strengthen what it means to be a citizen of New Zealand.
“People seeking citizenship should understand New Zealanders believe in certain rights, like freedom of speech, or that no one person or group is above the law. This test ensures people have sufficient knowledge of their responsibilities and privileges before receiving citizenship by grant.
“Aspeq Limited brings established testing capability and relevant experience to this work. The work with Aspeq will ensure the test is secure, consistent and accessible to applicants across New Zealand.”
Aspeq Limited will work alongside the Department of Internal Affairs to design a managed service covering the booking, payment and delivery of citizenship tests across New Zealand.
People must meet all the existing eligibility requirements for citizenship by grant before applying. These include requirements relating to their presence in New Zealand, character, English language ability and intention to continue living in New Zealand.
Note to editors:
Official information about New Zealand citizenship, including how to check eligibility and apply, is available through www.govt.nz.