Apple founder eyes life in NZ

Steve Wozniak. Photo / Phillip Davis

Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak is seeking Australian citizenship - but only so he can live in New Zealand, according to a United States news station.

Yesterday, Mr Wozniak said he and his wife, Janet Hill, simply "love New Zealand" and confirmed that he had applied to become an Australian citizen, NBC reported.

Mr Wozniak came to New Zealand in May for his Woz Live tour and during an interview with the Herald, he said: "I've been over to New Zealand many, many times, much more than Australia.

"It was a long time ago I was selected to be patron of the Wellington Apple Users Group and I would fly over around Christmas time and give speeches and meet the people. I saw the South Island and the tourist stuff in the North Island."

Mr Wozniak said he still intended to retain his United States citizenship, meaning he would have to pay more in taxes.

"Listen, I would never pay that kind of money for that kind of visa if I weren't serious [about Australian citizenship]," he said.

Australia and New Zealand do not restrict their residents from moving between countries.

NBC reported that New Zealand's approach was almost seamless: "If you're an Australian citizen you will usually be allowed to live, work or study in New Zealand and won't need to apply for any type of visa before travelling."

- Staff reporter