If your application for New Zealand citizenship is approved, you are required to attend a public citizenship ceremony. Here, you stand before an official person and take the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance. In doing so, you declare that you will honour Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of New Zealand, obey the laws of New Zealand and be a good citizen. It is only after swearing allegiance that you become a New Zealand citizen, and are presented with a Citizenship Certificate.
The 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 your new country and for the local community to welcome you on behalf of all New Zealanders.
At the South Waikato District Council, citizenship ceremonies are randomly held.Please contact the Executive Suite PA 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 guest to join Councillors for morning tea.
Oath of Allegiance
“I (your name) swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of New Zealand, Her heirs and successors according to the law, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of New Zealand and fulfil my duties as a New Zealand citizen. So help me God.”
Affirmation of Allegiance
“I (your name) solemnly and sincerely affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of New Zealand, Her heirs and successors according to the law, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of New Zealand and fulfil my duties as a New Zealand citizen.”
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