Turnbull to host Key at his Point Pipe mansion
Tens of thousands of New Zealanders living in Australia will be able to apply for Australian citizenship under a deal announced by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his New Zealand counterpart John Key on Friday. 
Mr Turnbull said that New Zealanders on special category visas who have lived in Australia for five years or more, and who earn above $54,000, would now be able to apply for citizenship.
"I think this is a very important recognition of the very close ties between Australia and New Zealand," Mr Turnbull said. 
Mr Key, who is currently visiting Australia, said the New Zealand government had long been lobbying for New Zealanders on special category visas to have a path to citizenship. 
"This step today will help tens of thousands of those New Zealanders to one day potentially become Australian citizens," Mr Key said at a joint press conference with Mr Turnbull. "I think they are fine Kiwis, they will make fine Australian citizens ... it is an important step you've taken and I think it's great for both of our countries, so I want to thank you for that."
Mr Key said New Zealand still has concerns about Australia deporting New Zealand-born criminals across the Tasman, but he thanked Australia for ensuring people can appeal adverse decisions against them. 
Mr Key reiterated that New Zealand is willing to accept some asylum seekers from Australia's offshore detention centres, but the federal government has not been willing so far to take up the offer. 
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