Citizenship ceremonies
Citizenship ceremonies
We host citizenship ceremonies throughout the year to welcome and acknowledge new New Zealand citizens living in our District. The ceremonies are held every two months but we do not have a fixed schedule or definite date for upcoming citizenship ceremonies.
Taking the oath or affirmation at a citizenship ceremony is the final stage in a person's journey to becoming a New Zealand citizen. New Zealand citizenship is granted by the New Zealand government.We are sent lists of those due to receive citizenship by Department of Internal Affairs in advance and we send out official invitations.
The ceremonies are hosted by the Mayor or the Deputy Mayor. Family and friends of the new citizens are also invited to attend, up to a maximum of two people. The cermonies take about one hour, depending on how many people are attending. These are festive events to celebrate the newest citizens in our district.
Process of events
- Opening address by Her Worship the Mayor (or Deputy Mayor)
- National anthem (see the lyrics below)
- Video about the Matamata-Piako district
- Video from the Govener General
- Candidates to take the oath or affirmation
- Presentation of certificates by Councillors
- Concluding address
- Photo opportunity
- To celebrate, at the conclusion of the ceremony, new citizens and their guests are invited to join Her Worship the Mayor and Councillors for light refreshments.
Dress code
We encourage you to wear the national dress of your country of origin, however a smart casual dress code is an option too. Remember, it’s a celebration of both your past and your future, so feel free to express this in the appropriate way.
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 (up to two) friends or family to help celebrate your special occasion. Candidates are welcome to take photos or video the event and we will make official photos available a few days after the ceremony.
Department of Internal Affairs
To apply for New Zealand citizenship or if you want to to enquire about the status of your application, please contact the Department of Internal Affairs.
Freephone: 0800 22 51 51
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: New Zealand Citizenship – Department of Internal Affairs
Oath of allegiance
The Oath of Allegiance in English is:
“I [say 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 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
The Affirmation of Allegiance in English is:
I (your name) 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.
New Zealand National Anthem
The New Zealand National Anthem ‘God Defend New Zealand’ is sung at the citizenship ceremony. There is a te reo Māori and English version of the New Zealand National Anthem, both of which will be sung.
The te reo Māori version is:
E Ihowaa Atua
O ngaa iwi maatou raa
Aata whakarongona
Me aroha noa
Kia hua ko te pai
Kia tau too atawhai
Manaakitia mai
Aotearoa
The English version is:
God of Nations at thy feet
In the bonds of love we meet
Hear our voices we entreat
God defend our free land
Guard Pacific's triple star
From the shafts of strife and war
Make her praises heard afar
God Defend New Zealand
