We know many in the Thai community and have seen first-hand how Thais who speak almost no English and who don't intend to stay in the country (two requirements for citizenship) were granted citizenship. Some engaged Immigration agents / lawyers to assist them, some simply had help form their switched on Kiwi partner.
The Thai language Facebook groups for Thais in New Zealand are full of information about how to navigate the system, how to claim benefits, how to rort the tax system etc. It's really sad. To be clear, I'm not berating the Thai community in which we have many friends, and I know from the Indian community of similar things going on.