The Verdict: Not eligible
The New Zealand scheme stops at 30, so it is closed to you. Look at our Digital Nomad quiz if you work remotely, or our Skilled Migration quiz if you have a Croatian job offer.
The 18 to 30 range is set by the arrangement between the two governments, so there is nothing to appeal to.
The digital nomad permit runs up to 18 months for anyone working remotely for a company not registered in Croatia; the test is income (€3,622.50 a month), not age. If you would run your own Croatian business, article 110(3) of the Aliens Act gives a permit to anyone owning at least 51 per cent and working in it.
New Zealanders can visit without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180. If any of your family came from Croatia, check our Citizenship by Descent and Diaspora & Religious Return quizzes; they have no age limit.