New Zealanders get direct pathway to Australian citizenship

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins speaks to media at Rongotai Airport in Wellington, New Zealand, Saturday, April 22, 2023. Mr Hipkins will travel to Brisbane to celebrate Australia's relaxing of citizenship requirements for Kiwis. (AAP Image/Ben McKay) NO ARCHIVING Source: AAP / BEN MCKAY/AAPIMAGE

Hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders living in Australia will soon have a direct pathway to Australian citizenship allowing them to access social welfare, student loans and housing support.

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Key Points

• Around 400,000 Kiwis will be eligible to get a direct pathway to Australian citizenship.
• It will provide similar access to social, housing and disability support, student loans, and the right to vote.
• New Zealand's Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has welcomed the news.