Legal Question in Immigration Law in New Zealand (Aotearoa)

Hi, my name is Anna and I am 17 years old. I have lived in New Zealand for the last seven and a half years. On the 18th of July I left New Zealand to go to Norway. I now want to return to New Zealand but my parents want me to stay here. This means that they won't sign any consent forms, my first question is, will I need their consent for anything?

Whilst I lived in New Zealand I had permanent residency. I don't know whether that expired when I left the country. Which brings me to my second question, what visas/ permits will I need to have to stay in the country and study and work? and how do I go about doing this?

Thank you for your help.


Asked on 9/14/11, 6:29 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Simon Laurent LaurentLaw Barristers & Solicitors

At your age you do not need your parents' consent to return to New Zealand on a Residence Visa.

If you only left NZ on a Residence Visa in July then you should be able to return. However, this depends on the travel conditions noted on the Returning Residence Visa stamp on your passport. This should say how long you can stay away from New Zealand before the visa expires.

If you are unsure, please scan and email a copy of your passport showing the Residence Visa and the Returning Residence Visa.

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Answered on 9/15/11, 4:47 pm


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