12 September 2022

Tēnā koe – Hello.

For 70 years, Queen Elizabeth the Second has been our Head of State, with a widely recognised dedication to public service. She has been a frequent visitor to our shores and connected with many New Zealanders. We have some updates for you below.

Oath and Affirmation

As you will be aware, the Oath and Affirmation of New Zealand Citizenship will now be sworn to King Charles III. The new Oath and Affirmation in both English and te reo Māori are provided for you below. Please start using these at your next citizenship ceremony and update any content on your website where the previous Oath and Affirmation may have been published.

Choice Video

I have decided that the Choice video should continue to be played in its current format. We will work with the Governor-General to record a new video when appropriate.

Acknowledging The Queen in ceremonies

Please acknowledge the passing of The Queen at your ceremony. We have prepared the brief statement below. It is intended to be read prior to swearing the oath or affirmation, and acknowledges that the Choice video currently refers to The Queen.

For 70 years, Queen Elizabeth the Second has been our Head of State, with a widely recognised dedication to public service. She has been a frequent visitor to our shores and connected with many New Zealanders.

Following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles the Third is now the King of New Zealand and this is reflected in the oath or affirmation you will swear.

The Choice video includes a message of welcome from the Governor-General, and does make reference to The Queen.

Official Photographs of The Queen

There is no requirement to remove or replace official photographs of Her Majesty that are on display. It is recommended that portraits remain in place. If you wish to acknowledge The Queen’s death, then you may wish to place kawakawa leaves underneath the photograph, and/or place a black ribbon across one corner. Official photographs of King Charles III will be available in due course.

Ngā mihi nui
Julia Wootton, General Manager

New Oath and Affirmation - King Charles III

Oath of Allegiance

Ko ahau, ko [say your name] e kī taurangi ana ka pirihonga ahau, ka piripono ki Te Ariki Tauaroa a Kīngi Tiāre te Tuatoru, te Kīngi o Aotearoa, me ōna uri ake me ōna whakakapi e ai ki te ture, ā, ka aro pirihonga ahau ki ngā ture o Aotearoa me te whakatutuki i āku mahi hei kirirarau o Aotearoa. Nō reira e te Atua, āwhinatia mai ahau.

I [say your name] swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles the Third, King of New Zealand, his heirs and successors according to law, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of New Zealand and fulfil my duties as a New Zealand citizen. So help me God.

Affirmation of Allegiance

Ko ahau, ko [say your name] tēnei e whakaū pono ana ka pirihonga ahau, ka piripono ki Te Ariki Tauaroa a Kīngi Tiāre te Tuatoru, te Kīngi o Aotearoa, me ōna uri ake me ōna whakakapi e ai ki te ture, ā, ka aro pirihonga ahau ki ngā ture o Aotearoa me te whakatutuki i āku mahi hei kirirarau o Aotearoa.

I [say your name] affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles the Third, King of New Zealand, his heirs and successors according to law, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of New Zealand and fulfil my duties as a New Zealand citizen.

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