8 Feb 2023
RAFIQ v SECRETARY FOR INTERNAL AFFAIRS AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOR DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS [2023] NZHC 127
- Citation
- [2023] NZHC 127
- Court
- High Court
The Minister's decision was unlawful and is quashed because it rested on insufficient material — the mere facts of recent vexatious litigant status and bankruptcy without adequate consideration of the surrounding circumstances did not satisfy the statutory requirement to assess good character under the Citizenship Act 1977; there is no basis for damages under the Bill of Rights and no basis to order the Minister to grant citizenship, but applicant may re-apply and fees will be waived.