Minister defends Thiel citizenship

WELLINGTON: Cabinet minister Nathan Guy says he did the right thing when he granted Peter Thiel citizenship despite the United States billionaire having spent just 12 days in the country over five years.

‘‘This is an individual who is incredibly well connected in Silicon Valley, he’s a great ambassador and sales person for New Zealand,’’ Mr Guy told reporters.

‘‘I completely agreed with officials at the time that he should be granted citizenship, I backed the decision in 2011 and I back the decision now.’’

Mr Guy was minister of internal affairs when he granted Mr Thiel citizenship, after the businessman had made significant investments in several New Zealand companies and donated $1 million to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Fund.

The length of time Mr Thiel spent in New Zealand before being granted citizenship was revealed in official documents that have just been released.

The Department of Internal Affairs has previously redacted Mr Thiel’s time spent in the country in information released under the Official Information Act, but the ombudsman this week ordered the department to reveal it.

Yesterday, the amended documents showed the 50yearold spent 12 days in New Zealand over five years before he was granted citizenship — far short of the 1350 days normally required.

Mr Thiel was granted citizenship although he was not living in New Zealand and had no intention of doing so.

He also got permission for the citizenship ceremony to be held at a private ceremony at the New Zealand Consulate in Santa Monica.

Since becoming a citizen Mr Thiel has bought a $13.5 million lifestyle block near Wanaka, which was exempt from Overseas Investment Office scrutiny because of his status.