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Births, Deaths and Marriages is responsible for the registration of all births that take place in New Zealand, and for the upkeep of, and access to those records. Through Births, Deaths and Marriages you can:

• Register a birth
• Request a birth certificate
• Request a pre-adoptive birth certificate
• Find information for transgender applicants
• Order certificates and printouts on the Internet via Births, Deaths and Marriages Online
• Add, update and access information on the Human Assisted Reproductive Technology (HART) register
• Obtain application forms and find the associated fees
• Find answers to frequently asked questions regarding registering a birth
• Access Register
• Contact us

Most popular first names

Please see Most Popular Male and Female First Names to find the top 100 male and female names since 2004, based on births registered in New Zealand during each year.

Changes to Citizenship by Birth in New Zealand from 2006

Before 2006, most children born in New Zealand (or in the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau) are automatically New Zealand citizens at birth (with few exceptions).

From 1 January 2006, children born in New Zealand (or in the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau) will acquire New Zealand citizenship at birth only if at least one of their parents:

• is a New Zealand citizen; or
• has New Zealand residence through Immigration New Zealand (i.e. is entitled to be in New Zealand or Australia indefinitely); or
• is entitled to reside indefinitely in the Cook Islands, Tokelau or Niue.

For further information see the Changes to Citizenship by Birth in New Zealand from 2006 Frequently Asked Questions.