Citizenship

Successful applicants for the grant of New Zealand citizenship are required to attend a public citizenship ceremony. At the ceremony applicants stand before an official person and take the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance, declaring that they will honour HM Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen 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, and will be presented with a citizenship certificate.

Attending a public ceremony is a very important step in the process of becoming a New Zealand citizen. It is an opportunity for you to publicly declare your allegiance to New Zealand and for the local community to welcome you on behalf of all New Zealanders.

At the Westland District Council, citizenship ceremonies are randomly held. Please contact the Community Liaison Officer to find out the next ceremony date. The applicant swears an Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance in the presence of the Mayor, who then presents them with a native tree as a symbol of their new country. The Mayor then invites the new citizens and their guests for refreshments.

The New Zealand Citizenship Office administers grants of citizenship, confirmation and denials of citizenship, and descent registrations.

Location http://www.westlanddc.govt.nz/index.cfm/1,453,0,0,html

Citizenship

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