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 approximately every two months, but we do not have a fixed schedule 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, and they will send out official invitations in advance.
The ceremonies are hosted by the Mayor or the Deputy Mayor, with support from local Councillors. Family and friends are also invited to attend, up to a maximum of two people per group. The ceremonies take about one hour, depending on how many people are attending. These are fun and 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 Matamata-Piako District
- Video from the Governor-General
- Candidates to take the oath or affirmation
- Presentation of certificates by Councillors
- Concluding address
- Photo opportunity
- At the conclusion of the ceremony, new citizens and their guests are invited to join Her Worship the Mayor and Councillors for light refreshments to celebrate.
Dress code
Smart casual dress code is appropriate, however we encourage you to wear the national dress of your country of origin, if appropriate. This is a celebration of both your past and your future, so feel free to express that in the way that feels best for you.
What to bring
You are not required to bring anything along for the purpose of the ceremony itself. However, we encourage you to invite up to two friends or family members to help celebrate your special occasion.
Photos/videos
You are welcome to take photos or videos with your family at the event. We will take official photos and make them available a few days after the ceremony. There will also be a livestream for friends and family who can't make it along on the night, which will be sent out to guests prior to the event.
Oath of allegiance
“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
"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."
The 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 an English version of the New Zealand National Anthem, both of which will be sung.
Te reo Māori version:
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
English version:
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
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
