New Zealand Citizenship

Enquiries about citizenship can be made to the Department of Internal Affairs, freecall telephone 0800 22 5151 or Ceremonies Team 0800 22 5252.

Our Levin Customer Service Centre can provide additional information on gaining NZ Citizenship or when the next Citizenship Ceremony is to be held.  Contact Us. 

The Horowhenua District Council conducts a number of New Zealand citizenship ceremonies per year, dependant on the number of candidates resident within the District seeking  the final stage of citizenship. 

His Worship the Mayor, on behalf of the Minister of Internal Affairs and the Department of Internal Affairs – Identity Services, carries out these formal ceremonies. Generally they are held on a Friday evening commencing at 7.30pm. 

Family members are invited to attend and provide support to the candidates and share in this special occasion. 

The procedural steps as set by the Department of Internal Affairs follow: 

NEW ZEALAND CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY PROCEDURE FOR CEREMONY

Citizenship Ceremony

When all candidates have been seated and the official party has entered the Council Chamber, the Mayor will formally address the candidates.

At the conclusion of the Mayor’s address, the person officiating will call each candidate to come forward and stand before the Mayor. In the case of family groups, all members of the family will come forward together to swear allegiance. Children under 14 years are included in the family group, but do not need to swear allegiance.

Each person swearing allegiance will repeat after the Mayor their full name and either the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance.  Copies of the relevant Oath or Affirmation will be sent out to the applicant for their information.

Please ensure that you are able to repeat the Oath clearly and with confidence at the ceremony. If you have difficulty with English, please ask a family member or friend to help you practice before the ceremony.

A reasonable standard of dress is requested. Tidy casual clothing is acceptable, and national dress is encouraged.