Toitū Te Tiriti!

So, a couple of weeks ago, I became a New Zealand citizen. I know, I know, I’ve lived here since I was twelve. The rest of my family took out citizenship decades ago. I could have done it then. I didn’t. Basically it was about the monarchy. I couldn’t see the point of paying lots of money to swear allegiance to a British monarch (yes, I know they’re the kings and queens of New Zealand too) when I was already a British subject. If it was about allegiance to Aotearoa or the Treaty, fair enough, I would have done that happily. But apart from not being able to run for parliament or work at MFAT, being a permanent resident gives you pretty much the same rights as a citizen, so I didn’t ever see the need.

Before Citizenship

Roll on Covid, when people were getting stuck overseas and Peter was worried I’d be away somewhere and not be able to come home. And it made sense, and culturally, I’m more of a New Zealander than a British person – although I’m a Sand Dancer* until I die. So anyway, now it’s official! And I got to shake hands with the lovely Tory Whanau in Te Papa, knowing Peter and Fleur were supporting me from the audience.

There are four options for declaring allegiance to the king: a religious oath in English, a religious oath in te reo, an affirmation in English or an affirmation in te reo. I felt very pleased to be able to stand with half a dozen others as we collectively affirmed in te reo. Afterwards the new citizens were given a certificate and a lovely little native tree.

_{* Sand Dancer – person from South Shields}

During the ceremony