Citizenship

Successful applicants for New Zealand citizenship are required to attend a citizenship ceremony at Council offices.

Ceremonies

At the ceremony, applicants stand before the Mayor and take the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance, declaring that they will honour His Majesty King Charles the Third, King of New Zealand, obey the laws of New Zealand and be a good citizen. Once all Oaths/Affirmations have been taken and citizenship certificates have been presented, along with a Kowhai tree, the Mayor will then invite new citizens and their guests to have refreshments.

Attending a ceremony is an important step in the process of becoming a New Zealand citizen and is an opportunity for you to publicly declare your allegiance to New Zealand.

Clutha District Council’s citizenship ceremonies are now held at Te Pou Ō Mata-Au, the Clutha District War Memorial Centre. Historically, citizenship ceremonies were held at Council meetings in the Council Chambers, depending on the number of new citizens.

The New Zealand Citizenship Office (part of the Department of Internal Affairs) organises the citizenship meeting dates, administers grants of citizenship, confirmation and denials of citizenship, and descent registrations. Find out more on their website.