Want to become a New Zealand citizen?
- You need to apply to the Department of Internal Affairs to become a New Zealand Citizen.
- Council's role is to hold the ceremony.
About the citizenship ceremony
Citizenship ceremonies are held by arrangement. They are a formal affair conducted by the Mayor.
- The Department of Internal Affairs advises Council of the candidates names for each ceremony;
- You will receive an invitation from Council with details of the date and time of the ceremony;
- Family and friends are welcome to attend the ceremony and afternoon tea which is held after the ceremony;
- Members of the local press attend to take group photographs and to write an article for their paper.
Successful applicants for New Zealand citizenship are required to attend a citizenship ceremony, where they will receive their citizenship certificate.
Applicants stand before the Mayor and take the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance, declaring they will honour King Charles III, King of New Zealand, obey the laws of New Zealand and be a good citizen.
It is only after swearing allegiance that a person actually becomes a New Zealand citizen. Even though the Department of Internal Affairs provides separate approval, applicants are unable to call themselves a New Zealand citizen until they have taken part in a citizenship ceremony.
It is a very special day.
