As Minister of Internal Affairs Guy was involved in the controversy that occurred in 2017 when it was revealed that, in 2011, he had granted New Zealand citizenship to US billionaire Peter Thiel after only 12 days residence (split over 4 trips in 5 years) in New Zealand. The normal residency requirement for a permanent resident to gain citizenship is 1350 days over 5 years. Mr Thiel was granted citizenship by Guy under “exceptional circumstances” despite Thiel not having lived in the country previously and not intending to do so in the future. Mr. Thiel is the first adult to be granted New Zealand citizenship without meeting residency requirements.