Can I bring guests?
Absolutely! There's seating available for guests on a first-come first-served basis, where required for accessibility you may be asked to stand.
How do I become a New Zealand citizen?
If you're wanting to apply to become a New Zealand citizen then head over the Department of Internal Affairs website or give them a call on 0800 22 51 51.
The Department of Internal Affairs will communicate with you throughout your application process and will let you know the date for your official citizenship ceremony.
What happens at a citizenship ceremony?
The public ceremony is a last stage in becoming a New Zealand citizen and we would love for you to make this final step in Hamilton. It's an opportunity for our local community to welcome you on behalf of all New Zealanders after you have publicly declared your allegiance to our country.
At the ceremony all those receiving citizenship will stand together before the Mayor or Deputy Mayor and take the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance, declaring that you will honour His Majesty, King Charles III, King of New Zealand; obey the laws of New Zealand and be a good citizen. After this formality, you will be presented with your official citizenship certificate, have your photo taken and be gifted a kowhai tree to remember this special day.
The doors for the Atrium at Wintec will open 30 minutes before the start of the ceremony.
The citizenship ceremony will take approximately 90 minutes and is followed by light refreshments for you to enjoy. We encourage you to come dressed in your national or cultural dress and bring a camera for your friends and family to take photos during the ceremony.
Each ceremony is livestreamed so your friends and family that cannot attend on the night can still celebrate with you.
Further information
For any enquires about the status of your application or date of your ceremony, please contact the Department of Internal Affairs directly on 0800 22 51 51.
To view photos from your citizenship ceremony visit the link below.
Frequently asked questions
Can my guests sit with me?
No. Citizenship recipients have allocated seating and guests have sections reserved for them.
I can’t make it to the ceremony, do I still get my citizenship?
No. You can only receive your citizenship at the ceremony and are unable to call yourself a citizen of Aotearoa New Zealand until you have taken part in a ceremony. If you are aged 13 or under, it can be received on your behalf by a parent or caregiver.
Can I leave after I receive my certificate?
You must stay and participate in the whole ceremony, after formal proceedings finish there will be light refreshments and photo opportunities, these are optional.
Can I bring my child?
Yes! They are welcome to sit on your lap and you can take them on stage with you when receiving your certificate too.
Can I take photos?
Yes, you and your guests are welcome to take photos on the evening, we will also have professional photos being taken and the link to these shared at a later date.
Can I take the Oath in Te Reo Maaori?
Yes you can, just let us know in advance of the ceremony so that we can accommodate your request.
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Last updated 18 July 2022