Citizenship Ceremony
When an application for New Zealand citizenship is granted, applicants are required to attend a public citizenship ceremony.
Citizenship ceremonies were first held in 1954. Since 1955, groups of new citizens have publicly sworn allegiance to the Queen. New citizens from Commonwealth realms could take the oath in writing and get their certificates by post until 1996, when applicants were required to attend a public ceremony.
The public ceremony is a very important step in the process of becoming a New Zealand citizen. It is an opportunity for new citizens to publicly declare their allegiance to their new country and for the local community to welcome them on behalf of all New Zealanders. Here, applicants stand before an official person (normally the local Mayor) and take the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance.
In doing so, applicants declare that they applicants will honour Her Majesty 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 applicants become a New Zealand citizen, and are presented with a Citizenship Certificate from the local mayor. New citizens then join in the singing of God Defend New Zealand before enjoying a cup of tea or glass of wine, normally following the Loyal Toast.
Read more about this topic: Oath Of Citizenship (New Zealand)
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