Citizenship

Want to become a New Zealand citizen?

• You need to apply to the Department of Internal Affairs to become a New Zealand Citizen.
• Council's role is to hold the ceremony
• Visit the Department of Internal Affairs website

About the citizenship ceremony

Citizenship ceremonies are held 4 times a year.  This year the ceremony dates are: 14 March, 13 June, 12 September and 5 December. 
The ceremony is held in the Council Chambers, Fitzherbert Street, Gisborne.

• The Department of Internal Affairs advises Council of the candidates names for each ceremony.
• You will receive an invitation from Council.
• The ceremony starts at 10am and lasts about one hour then finishes with morning tea.
• You are encouraged to wear national dress for the occasion, but this is optional. 
• A group photograph is taken and published in the Gisborne Herald newspaper.

Successful applicants for New Zealand citizenship are required to attend a public citizenship ceremony, where they will receive their citizenship certificate. 

Applicants stand before the Mayor and take the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance, declaring they will honour Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of New Zealand, obey the laws of New Zealand and be a good citizen.

It is only after swearing allegiance that a person actually becomes a New Zealand citizen. Even though the Department of Internal Affairs provides separate approval, applicants are unable to call themselves a New Zealand citizen until they have taken part in a citizenship ceremony.