Citizenship Ceremonies

Community & Culture

Becoming a New Zealand Citizen

Applications to become a New Zealand citizen must be made to the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). You can find information on this process on their website or by phoning them on 0800 22 51 51.

The Department of Internal Affairs will guide you through the application process and manage all aspects of the paperwork relating to who can apply and how it is done. DIA then tells the Timaru District Council the names of those persons approved so that we can arrange the ceremony.

The Citizenship Ceremony

When and where are citizenship ceremonies held?

Citizenship ceremonies are hosted at the Timaru District Council offices, 2 King George Place prior to a Council meeting. The ceremonies are held approximately five times a year.

The Department of Internal Affairs sends out invitations to the candidates to attend a citizenship ceremony. Candidates are invited to bring along family and friends to mark the occasion.

What happens at the ceremony?

This public ceremony is a very important step in the process of becoming a New Zealand citizen. It is an opportunity for you to publicly declare your allegiance to our country and for our local community to welcome you on behalf of all New Zealanders.

At the citizenship ceremony you will read the oath or affirmation of allegiance. Then you will receive your certificate of citizenship from the Mayor of Timaru District and a small gift from the Council. Until you receive your certificates personally, you are unable to call yourself a NZ citizen even though you have received approval from the Department of Internal Affairs as to your suitability.

The citizenship ceremony will take approximately half an hour and is followed by afternoon tea.

For queries regarding the actual Ceremony, please contact the Timaru District Council on (03) 687 7200.

Related Links

Further Information

For information on citizenship ceremonies please contact Council by email or call (03) 687 7200.

For enquiries on the status of your citizenship application, please telephone the Department of Internal Affairs on 0800 22 51 51.

Last updated: 24 Feb 2021