The Oath of Citizenship, as opposed to the Oath of Allegiance, is for new New Zealand citizens to pledge loyalty to the Queen of New Zealand, Elizabeth II, and faithfully observe to the laws of New Zealand.
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Oath
The Oath, recited by citizenship recipients in New Zealand, is as follows:
The oath of citizenship in Māori (known as Te Oati Haumi) is as follows (without macrons):
The Oath of citizenship may be recited either in English or in Maori.
Affirmation
For those who object to adding ‘God’ to the end of an oath, may chose to take the Affirmation of Allegiance:
In Māori (called Te Whakautanga Haumi), this is (without macrons),
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 (or if the oath is recited solely in Te Reo Maori, to pledge to Kuini Irihapeti te Tuarua, te Kuini o Aotearoa), 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 (or government officials in a private ceremony in the absence of the Mayoral ceremony). 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.