How is the requirement assessed?
To determine whether you are of good character the Minister will consider the answers you have given in your application. We will also complete background checks with the New Zealand Police and other agencies. To determine whether you are of good character the Minister will consider the answers you have given in your application. We will also complete background checks with the New Zealand Police and other agencies. Things that are taken into account include:
criminal convictions;
infringements;
having an active protection order against you;
any other information received from other agencies.
Convictions
Except in very rare circumstances, you will be disqualified from meeting the good character requirement if:
you have been in prison for five years or more; or
you have been sentenced to an indefinite term of imprisonment capable of running for five years or more; or
within the previous seven years you were subject to a sentence of imprisonment of less than five years; or
within the previous three years you were convicted of an offence but did not receive a sentence of imprisonment.