If you apply for citizenship online, you need an identity referee who can confirm that you are who you say you are. This is different from the witness used for a paper or in-person application.
Who can be your referee?
Govt.nz says the referee must be at least 16, hold a current or expired New Zealand passport, have known you for at least one year (or since birth), agree to act, and be contactable if DIA needs to verify your identity.
Who cannot be your referee?
Your referee must not be related to you or part of your extended family and must not live at the same house as you. Choosing someone who cannot be contacted can delay an application.
What details should you prepare?
- full name;
- date of birth;
- email and contact number;
- residential address; and
- New Zealand passport number.
Paper or in-person application? You need a witness instead. The witness signs the back of one passport photo and completes the witness section of the form.
Use the free tools
Turn the guidance into a practical next step
Check your presence estimate, test a future trip, or work through the application checklist.
Official sources
Independent information: This guide summarises public information and is not legal or immigration advice. Check current official sources before acting on it.