I am US born with ancestral ties to NZ for generations. I have been living in NZ on and off for over 4 years (e.g. currently a NZ resident for over a year). My grandmother was a NZ born citizen and immigrated to America, where most of my family now lives. My mother has recently applied and has been granted NZ Citizenship by Grant through her mother, under the Citizenship Law of 1977: Section 10 (e.g. type of NZ Citizenship by Descent but provides a person "Grant")- "Grant of NZ Citizenship as of right." I am curious if NZ citizenship can be passed down to me. I am seeking NZ Citizenship in order to hurry the process in being able to access Studylink as there is now a 3 year stand-down period for NZ residents.
I have noticed a few possible barriers including: in order to apply for NZ Citizenship by Descent it indicates that your parent needs to have been a citizen at the time of your birth. In my case, my mother applied for NZ Citizenship later on in life because my grandmother did not register her overseas birth and my mother was unaware that she could qualify for NZ Citizenship only until recently. From what I understand, NZ Citizenship can be passed down? Only if she had it at my time of birth?
I know this is quite a unique situation but any person who may have heard of a person with a similar situation and the steps they chose to follow would be most helpful.
Thank you!