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This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Official Information request 'A decision was made in 2012 by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) to make changes to its policy on the issue of NZ Passports – changes that appear contrary to the passports Act 1992.'.


Released 
under the Official Information Act 1982
Passports’ Policy for 
Change in Gender 
Identity and 
Transgender 
Applicants 
9(2)(a)
 
Operations Manager 
New Zealand Passports 
Released 
Current Policy – Change in Gender Identity 
under the Official Information Act 1982
• Applicants who want their passport to reflect a 
change in their gender identity must first apply to the 
New Zealand Family Court for a declaration that 
recognises the nominated gender 
 
• Issues: 
o The nature of the family court process can be complex and 
applicants may require legal representation or advice 
o For practical reasons, there is a different process for people 
residing outside New Zealand, and often other jurisdictions’ 
processes are more relaxed 
o We are creating difficulties for New Zealanders who are 
dual nationals (i.e. their UK passport already reflects 
another gender)     
 
 
Department of Internal Affairs 
Released 
Current Policy – Transgender 
under the Official Information Act 1982
• Applicants unable to obtain a Family Court 
declaration may have the gender displayed in 
their passport as ‘X’. 
 
• Issues: 
o Passport holders with gender ‘X’ displayed in their 
passport can encounter difficulties at border 
control (in some countries). 
 
 
Department of Internal Affairs 
Released 
Future Policy … 
under the Official Information Act 1982
• We are aware of the recent policy changes in Australia 
 
• The Department of Internal Affairs is also currently 
reviewing its policies regarding the issuance of passports 
where there is a change in gender identity. 
 
• We are at the point of consulting with the community in 
order to develop the new policy 
 
• Our current thinking is that applicants would provide a 
witnessed Statutory Declaration with their application, 
outlining their circumstances, and advising of the gender 
identity they wish to be displayed in the passport. 
 
 
 
Department of Internal Affairs 
Released 
Questions and feedback 
under the Official Information Act 1982
 
• Please feel free to email with any further 
feedback: 
 
  [email address] 
 
 
 
Department of Internal Affairs 

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