“As most New Zealanders know, I made very strong representations to Australia that she should be permitted to return there,” Ardern continued. “Her [the woman’s] family moved to Australia when she was six and she grew up there before departing for Syria in 2014, on an Australian passport. Unfortunately, Australia would not reverse the cancellation of citizenship. “However Australia has subsequently assured us it will proactively consult with New Zealand if any such case arises in future. “New Zealand is not able to remove citizenship from a person and leave them stateless, and as New Zealand citizens this country is the only place where they can currently legally reside.”