Ngā hui whakaū i te Kirirarautanga
Citizenship ceremonies

Wellington City Council holds ceremonies each month to celebrate our new citizens and welcome them to the capital city of New Zealand.

The Council recognises the importance of New Zealand Citizenship and is delighted to celebrate this significant moment with you, your family, and friends.

The ceremony is a celebration of your future in Wellington; an inclusive and multi-cultural city.

Wherever you have come from, and whether you bring your talent or have needed refuge, Wellington welcomes you!

2024 citizenship ceremonies

While these ceremonies are hosted by the Council, the Department of Internal Affairs allocates candidates to each ceremony. You will be notified by the Department when your ceremony will take place, along with details for attending.

Citizenship ceremony dates for 2024 are:

  • Monday 26 August 2024
  • Monday 30 September 2024
  • Wednesday 23 October 2024
  • Monday 11 November 2024
  • Monday 2 December 2024

More dates will be announced once confirmed.

Key information

Ceremonies are held at Te Papa Tongarewa – Museum of New Zealand. You must stay for the whole ceremony.

Our new citizens are required to declare publicly their commitment to New Zealand by reciting an oath (religious) or affirmation (secular) of allegiance, you may make this declaration in English or Te Reo Māori.

Identification

Please bring photo ID, which is required for entry.

Dress code

We encourage you to wear the national dress of your country of origin, however a smart casual dress code is an option too. Remember, it’s a celebration of both your past and your future, so feel free to express this in the appropriate way.

Bringing guests

Each family group (or individual) can bring up to two guests (due to limited venue capacity). If you want to bring more guests, please email mayoral.events@wcc.govt.nz to discuss if this will be possible.

Due to the capacity, prams are not permitted inside the venue and small children may be required to sit on their parents laps.

Contacts:

For information on becoming a New Zealand citizen, please contact the Department of Internal Affairs:

 Phone: 0800 22 51 51
 Email: citizenship@dia.govt.nz
 Website: www.govt.nz/citizenship

For information on attending the ceremony, contact the Function & Events Coordinator, Office of the Mayor, Wellington City Council:

Email: mayoral.events@wcc.govt.nz