Citizenship

Citizenship ceremonies are held by the Manawatū District Council on behalf of the Department of Internal Affairs to welcome new citizens to New Zealand and confirm their citizenship.

Candidates are required to attend a ceremony to declare publicly their commitment to New Zealand and recite an oath or affirmation of allegiance before becoming a New Zealand citizen. Candidates only become New Zealand citizens once the oath or affirmation has been sworn and the certificate of Citizenship has been presented.

Citizenship Ceremony

The Manawatū District Council recognises the importance of New Zealand Citizenship and endeavours to make the ceremony an enjoyable experience for each candidate.

The following process is undertaken:

  • Opening address by the Mayor
  • Candidates to take the oath or affirmation
  • Presentation of certificates
  • Concluding address
  • National anthem

Ceremony venue

The Citizenship ceremony is held in the Council Chamber, Manawatū District Council, 135 Manchester Street, Feilding and commences at 7pm.

Ceremony frequency

Ceremonies are held with a minimum of 10 candidates roughly every 3-4 months. Please contact the Mayor's office to enquire about these dates on 06 323 0000.

What to bring

Candidates are not required to bring anything along for the purpose of the ceremony itself.

However, we do encourage you to bring along relatives and special friends to help celebrate your special occasion (maximum of 5 guests each). If candidates wish to use a camera to take photographs or a video camera to record the event, they are welcome to do so.

Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance

Candidates must recite the Oath of Allegiance or Affirmation of Allegiance before becoming a New Zealand citizen.

Oath of Allegiance:

I (your name) swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles the Third, King of New Zealand, his 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 His Majesty King Charles the Third, King of New Zealand, his 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.

Citizenship Application Fees and Forms

For further information, including details of fees, or to get an application form please contact:

New Zealand Citizenship Office
Freephone: 0800 22 51 51 (New Zealand only)
Phone: (+64 4) 463 9361 (from outside New Zealand)
E-mail: citizenship@dia.govt.nz
Website: www.citizenship.govt.nz