One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has proposed significant new restrictions on New Zealand citizens relocating to Australia, suggesting that those not born in New Zealand should wait between eight to ten years after obtaining New Zealand citizenship before being eligible to move to Australia. This proposal, if enacted, would represent a substantial alteration to the existing trans-Tasman travel arrangement that permits citizens of both countries to live and work freely in the other.
Hanson argued that some migrants are utilizing New Zealand citizenship as an indirect pathway to Australia and asserted that stricter rules would be beneficial for both nations. "I don't want that. New Zealand can't afford to lose those migrants," Hanson stated in an interview with The New Zealand Herald. "I'd say you shouldn't be able to migrate to Australia until you've been a New Zealand citizen for at least eight to ten years."
The proposed restrictions would specifically target New Zealand citizens born overseas, while those born in New Zealand would continue to be permitted to move to Australia under current arrangements. This proposal emerges amidst data from Statistics New Zealand showing a notable increase in the proportion of New Zealand citizens moving to Australia who were born abroad. In 2025, this figure stood at 35 percent, a rise from the average of 22 percent between 2004 and 2011, and 33 percent between 2016 and 2019. This trend reflects the growing diversity of New Zealand's population, with nearly 29 percent of its residents born overseas in 2023, compared to 19.5 percent in 2001.
Hanson clarified that New Zealanders already residing in Australia would not be affected by her proposed changes. She indicated a general appreciation for New Zealand workers, stating, "If they are law-abiding, why get rid of them? A lot of people like to employ Kiwis – they work hard. Why remove those who want to work and don't want to bludge on the system and abuse it?"
In addition to her migration proposal, Hanson expressed admiration for New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, describing him as a politician she respects. Hanson noted similarities in their parties' views on immigration and national identity and observed a recent increase in support for New Zealand First. "He has common sense; we've both been at the political game a long time," Hanson remarked. "I don't know his policies, but what I've read is he is a very proud New Zealander trying to do the best for his country. I respect that."