The rules about who can vote from overseas have changed.
You can enrol and vote in the 2023 General Election from overseas if all the following statements are true:
- you are 18 years or older
- you’ve lived in New Zealand for more than 12 months continuously at some time in your life
- you are one of the following:
- a New Zealand citizen who has been in New Zealand within the last 6 years
- a New Zealand permanent resident who has been in New Zealand within the last 4 years.
After the 2023 General Election the eligibility criteria will change back to the previous settings of 3 years for New Zealand citizens and 12 months for New Zealand permanent residents.
Enrolling from overseas is not compulsory — it’s your choice whether you enrol.
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
