9.3 Citizenship ceremonies, ANZAC Day services and civic honours

Citizenship ceremonies

The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) makes all decisions about who receives New Zealand citizenship. Local authorities, including Auckland Council, host citizenship ceremonies on behalf of DIA. 

Auckland Council’s role

Under Auckland Council’s allocation of responsibilities: 

• Local boards are responsible for planning and hosting citizenship ceremonies. 
• The chairperson of the local board can administer the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance as the representative of the council. 

Ceremony frequency and location

Ceremonies are held monthly or quarterly, depending on: 

• The number of citizenship candidates 
• Where in Auckland those candidates live. 

What happens at a citizenship ceremony

Ceremonies are shaped by local board preferences, but usually include: 

• karakia and mihi by kaumātua 
• a welcome or address by the local board chairperson 
• kapa haka performance 
• administration of oath or affirmation of allegiance to candidates 
• a video message from: 
  • The Governor-General 
  • The Minister of Internal Affairs 
  • The Mayor of Auckland. 
• a final blessing by kaumātua 
• light refreshments. 

The ceremonies are a celebratory occasion, recognising each person’s commitment to becoming a New Zealand citizen. 

Local board members, ward councillors and the mayor are often invited to attend as part of the official party on stage. 

Freedom of the city, charter parades and mayoral escorts

The tradition of granting freedom to march through a city dates back to ancient Rome, where troops could only enter a city if trusted by its citizens. 

What is ‘freedom of the city’?

Today, this honour is: 

• granted by a council 
• a symbol of respect and trust in the military's role in protecting democratic institutions. 

It is typically shown through: 

• regular military parades 
• mayor-led inspections of the troops. 

The arrangement is formalised through a signed charter, which also allows two uniformed officers to accompany the mayor during key ceremonial events, such as ANZAC Day. 

Each charter parade agreement is made separately with the: 

• New Zealand Army 
• Royal New Zealand Navy 
• Royal New Zealand Air Force. 

ANZAC Day services

Auckland Council supports a wide range of ANZAC Day services, including those organised by: 

• local boards 
• the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association (RSA) 
• community groups. 

Elected members—such as the mayor, councillors, and local board members—may be invited to: 

• lead or speak at services 
• attend as official representatives of Auckland Council.