Dear New Zealand Defence Force,

In an advertisement posted on SEEK recently- the following Citizenship requirements were detailed:

"Higher level Security Clearance •most preferably a NZ citizen who has resided continuously in this country for the last 10 years, OR
•is a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last 10 years: either Australia, Canada, NZ, UK or the USA; and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the NZSIS towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at a higher level.

If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we will not be able to accept your application. "

The following phrase appears contradictory and/or confusing:

" OR
•is a citizen of, and/or "

With regard to the following statements:

" I am a NZ citizen (granted 2014), AND I have resided continuously in this country for the last 10 years"

OR

" I am NOT a NZ citizen BUT have resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last 10 years: either Australia (no), Canada(no), NZ(Ka pai!), UK(no) or the USA(no); and have a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate."

Could you please confirm the following points:
1) "Higher level security clearance-most preferably a NZ citizen..."
Can you confirm whether this is a preferential (or discretionary) condition, or an absolute necessity.

2) " ...who has resided continuously in this country for the last ten years,..."
Can you confirm if a NZ citizen who has held citizenship since 2007, but has resided in NZ since 1978 qualifies to have their application accepted?
Can you confirm if a NZ citizen who has held citizenship since 2007, but has resided in NZ since 1978 is disqualified from having their application accepted?

3) "...is a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last 10 years: either Australia, Canada, NZ, UK or the USA..."

In relation to the use of the term 'and/or' in the above statement -

Can you confirm that a person who " (or) has resided continuously in...NZ" as stated above includes persons who are not NZ citizens but have resided here for 10 years or longer?

and

Can you confirm that the meaning intended is that these persons MUST hold Citizenship of one on the 5 countries listed AND have lived in one of the countries for the last ten years.

and

Can you confirm that the meaning intended is that these persons MUST hold Citizenship of one on the 5 countries listed OR have lived in one of the countries for the last ten years.

and

Can you confirm that the meaning intended is that these persons MAY hold Citizenship of one on the 5 countries listed AND have lived in one of the countries for the last ten years

and

Can you confirm that the meaning intended is that these persons MUST hold Citizenship of one on the 5 countries listed AND have lived in one of the countries for the last ten years

Lastly, can you confirm that in fact NZ citizens must have held their citizenship for ten years AND have lived in one of the countries listed continuously for ten years (including NZ).

and

Can you confirm that a citizen of the UK, who has lived in Canada and US and Australia continuously for ten years, but never resided in NZ, may have their application accepted, but a NZ citizen who has lived in NZ for 40 years, but only held citizenship for 9, will not.

Yours faithfully,

Kilian O'Gorman