I don't want to become a citizen of the country I was born and live in. Does it matter?

Question

I am 15 and was born and have always lived in New Zealand. I am a British citizen, because my mother is from England and I am a pernament resident of New Zealand with an infinite visa.

When I'm 18 I'm meant to go take this oath thing and then become a New Zealand citizen and have dual citizenship between Britain and New Zealand as I am elligible for New Zealand citizenship because my father has it, because he was born here even though he is actually Croatian.

I have no desire to take the oath, because I do not want to be a New Zealand citizen. My mother chose not become one, when she moved here with her family, because her loyalties lie with Britain and I feel the same way. I would be much happier just remainig a pernament resident like my mother.

You don't even get any benefits from being a New Zealand citizen as pernament residents are allowed to vote and do not need a visa either, if they want to go live and work and Australia, which New Zealanders are allowed to do...

Answer 1

Forget the patriotism angle. It just makes good sense. If you have the opportunity to be a citizen of both, do it. Plus, as you get older your views become more independent you might find your feelings for NZ (and Britain for that matter) change. I was born in Ireland and moved to Australia as a baby. My feelings for 'home' pretty much reflected my father's: Ireland was home but we lived in Australia. Now as an adult, my view is that, while Ireland will always be an important part of my life, Australia is home. I live & work here. Dual citizenship offers the best of both worlds.

Answer 2

State benefits normally only go to citizens.  Also, visas can be revoked or benefits, such as working in Australia, changed.

Answer 3

Seems to me you understand the pro's and con's of being a valid citizen of NZ so if everything works out fine for your mother what's the need to do anything else since she's already walked the path you're now on?.  Stay the way u want it's not making your life any better, right?  Cheers!!