Welcoming our new Citizens

Citizenship ceremonies are held regularly at the Marlborough District Council chambers. At each ceremony, anywhere from ten to thirty people become New Zealand citizens.

Attending a public ceremony is an important step in the citizenship process; an opportunity to publicly declare allegiance to this country and to be welcomed into our local community.

Mayor Alistair Sowman, or his deputy Jenny Andrews, officiates and candidates affirm their allegiance to the Crown, promise to obey the laws of the land and to be good citizens.

Candidates are able to invite family and friends to attend the ceremony to witness the change of citizenship – from their country of birth to their country of choice.

Although about half of Marlborough’s new citizens still come from Britain, this region is also the new home to an increasingly diverse range of nationalities.

• Citizen application packs are available from the Council
• More information about citizenship: Department of Internal Affairs, Ph: 0800 22 51 511.