Citizenship ceremonies
Whanganui District Council hosts citizenship ceremonies every quarter to honour our new citizens and warmly embrace them into our vibrant city of Whanganui, Aotearoa New Zealand.
At the council, we understand the importance of New Zealand citizenship, and we are thrilled to mark this momentous occasion together with you, your loved ones, and friends. Our ceremony is not only a celebration of your journey but also a glimpse into the promising future that awaits you in Whanganui, a city known for its creativity, cultural integrity and artistic tradition. Regardless of your origins, Whanganui opens its arms to welcome you!
Dates for 2024 Citizenship Ceremonies:
While the council hosts the citizenship ceremonies, it is the Department of Internal Affairs that assigns candidates to each ceremony. The council sets the dates for the ceremonies and we will promptly notify you of the exact time and date of your ceremony, ensuring you have at least four weeks' notice to prepare for the occasion.
Below are the upcoming citizenship ceremony dates for 2024 that you can mark in your calendar:
• 4.00-6.00pm, Thursday, 22 February 2024
• 4.00-6.00pm, Wednesday, 8 May 2024
• 4.00-6.00pm, Wednesday, 14 August 2024
• 4.00-6.00pm, Thursday, 7 November 2024
Our ceremonies take place in the Pioneer Room at the Whanganui War Memorial Centre in Watt Street, Whanganui.
The following process occurs during each ceremony:
- opening address by the Mayor
- oath or affirmation by candidates
- presentation of certificates
- closing statement
- national anthem
- photo opportunity (group photo with the Mayor)
To celebrate at the conclusion of the ceremony, new citizens and their guests are invited to join the Mayor for light refreshments.
Please make sure to be present for the entire duration of the ceremony.
During the ceremony, our newest citizens are required to publicly declare their commitment to New Zealand by reciting an oath (religious) or an affirmation (secular) of allegiance. You are welcome to make this declaration in either English or Te Reo Māori, allowing you to express your bond with New Zealand in a way that feels most authentic to you.
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.
The Oath of Allegiance in Māori is:
Ko ahau, ko (aata whakahuatia te katoa o too ingoa) o (te waahi noho) e kii taurangi ana ka pirihonga ahau, ka piripono ki Te Arikinui Kīngi Tiaare te Tuatoru, te Kiingi o Aotearoa, me oona uri ake me oona whakakapi e ai ki te ture, aa, ka aro pirihonga ahau ki ngaa ture o Aotearoa me te whakatutuki i aaku mahi hei kirirarau o Aotearoa. Noo reira e te Atua, aawhinatia mai ahau.
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.
The Affirmation of Allegiance in te reo Māori is:
Ko ahau, ko (aata whakahuatia te katoa o too ingoa) o (te waahi noho) teenei e whakaū pono ana ka pirihonga ahau, ka piripono ki Te Arikinui Kīngi Tiaare te Tuatoru, te Kiingi o Aotearoa, me oona uri ake me oona whakakapi e ai ki te ture, aa, ka aro pirihonga ahau ki ngaa ture o Aotearoa me te whakatutuki i aaku mahi hei kirirarau o Aotearoa.
You can listen to an audio example of the oath and affirmation in te reo Māori here.
Dress Code
While we encourage you to proudly wear the traditional dress of your country of origin, we also understand that a smart casual dress code may be more suitable for some. Remember, this ceremony is not just about your past but also about the bright future that lies ahead, so feel free to express yourself in your own way.
Inviting Guests
We appreciate that this is a momentous occasion for you, and therefore each family group or individual is welcome to bring two guests to join in the celebration.
Further contact details
For further information on the process of becoming a New Zealand citizen, please contact the Department of Internal Affairs. They will be more than happy to assist you in this exciting journey:
Phone: 0800 225 151
Email: citizenship@dia.govt.nz
Website: www.govt.nz/citizenship
For information on attending the ceremony, email mayor@whanganui.govt.nz