You can vote from overseas if you’re enrolled and one of the following statements is true:
- You’re a New Zealand citizen and have been in New Zealand within the last 3 years
- You’re a New Zealand permanent resident and have been in New Zealand within the last 12 months.
Changes from 31 March 2023
From 31 March 2023, if you live overseas, you can enrol if you’re a:
- New Zealand citizen who has been in New Zealand within the last 6 years, or
- New Zealand permanent resident and have been in New Zealand in the last 4 years.
After the 2023 election the eligibility criteria will change back to the current settings of 3 years for New Zealand citizens and 12 months for New Zealand permanent residents.
Are you a permanent resident?
For electoral purposes, you’re a permanent resident if you’re in New Zealand legally and not required to leave within a specific time.
If you’re Australian, Niuean, Tokelauan, or a Cook Islander, you can vote if you’re enrolled and you’ve lived in New Zealand continuously for 12 months or more.
Are you a public servant or member of the New Zealand Defence Force?
You’re eligible to enrol and vote no matter how long you’ve been outside New Zealand if you’re in one of the following groups:
- Public servants working overseas and their families
- New Zealand diplomats or trade representatives and their families
- Members of the New Zealand Defence Force and their families.
Contact us if you’re no longer eligible
If you don’t meet the requirements above, please contact us to tell us you’re no longer eligible.
Email: overseas@vote.nz
