Kia ora

 

Thank you for taking the time to get in touch with Prime Minister Jacinda
Ardern.

 

If you are writing about an issue relating to COVID-19, mental health,
Immigration, housing or benefit assistance, here's a list of links that
you might find helpful:

 

 

For queries around Managed Isolation availability  and/or exemptions:
miq.govt.nz

 

If you are overseas and need assistance please contact your nearest New
Zealand Embassy or Consulate. Contact details are listed in each
destination page on the SafeTravel website: 
[1]https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/news/covi...
  . For urgent consular assistance after-hours please contact +64 99 20 20
20 (monitored 24 hours a day).

 

For immigration and visa advice: contact the call centre which is open 
6:00am Monday to midnight on Saturday (NZT).
[2]https://www.immigration.govt.nz/contact  

 

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∙             Call 0800 559 009 (for under 65)

∙             Call 0800 552 002 (for over 65)

 

If you need treatment or support for your health or wellbeing, the
following options are available.

 

Healthline – You can call Healthline for health advice on freephone 0800
611 116 at any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Healthline staff
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1737 – If you need to talk to someone about how you are feeling, you can
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Mental health crisis teams – If you are concerned that someone is going to
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[3]www.health.govt.nz/your-health/services-and-support/health-care-services/mental-health-services/crisis-assessment-teams

 

For Police assistance In an emergency call 111.

For everything else use 105.

You can also make a report online at 105.police.govt.nz 

 

We hope that one of the above links helps answer your question, if not we
will try to get back to you as soon as possible.

Thank you again

 

 

Office of the Prime Minister

 

 

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Dear Ankit,

I am writing on behalf of the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern, to acknowledge your email of 27 October 2021. Please be assured your comments have been noted.

As the issue you have raised falls within the portfolio responsibilities of the Minister of Internal Affairs , Hon Jan Tinetti , your email has been forwarded to the Minister's office for consideration.

Thank you for writing, and take care.

Best wishes

Warren Howe
Office of the Prime Minister

-----Original Message-----
From: AP [mailto:[FOI #17349 email]]
Sent: Wednesday, 27 October 2021 00:38
To: J Ardern (MIN) <[Jacinda Ardern request email]>
Subject: Official Information request - What happens if I don't want to pledge my allegiance to the queen?

Dear Jacinda Ardern,

I would like to ask a question that many citizens of New Zealand may have.

What happens if I dont want to plese my allegiance to the queen?

I have been a citizen for 6 years now. I respect New Zealand. This is not about being a New Zealander, this is about the requirement to pledge my allegiance to the queen. I am proud to be a New Zealander.

Regards

Yours faithfully,

Ankit

-------------------------------------------------------------------

This is an Official Information request made via the FYI website.

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
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________________________________

hide quoted sections

Kia ora Ankit

 

Thank you for your enquiry.

 

We suspect your question is related to the Oath of Allegiance during a New
Zealand Citizenship ceremony and therefore have answered as such below.

 

The New Zealand Citizenship Oath of Allegiance is prescribed by the New
Zealand legislation [1]Citizenship Act 1977. The current version of the
Oath of allegiance has come into force by section 2 of the Citizenship
Amendment Act 1979.

 

The public ceremony is an opportunity for new citizens to publicly declare
their allegiance to their new country and for the local community to
welcome them on behalf of all New Zealanders. It is part of the ceremony’s
process for new citizens to stand before an official person and take the
Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance.

 

The Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance to the Queen reflects New Zealand’s
constitutional monarchy. The British sovereign is New Zealand's head of
state. Allegiance to the Queen means allegiance to New Zealand.

 

The Act does allow the Minister to waive the requirement for an applicant
for the grant of citizenship to take the Oath of  Allegiance. When
applying for citizenship, you may wish to include a request for a waiver
of the requirement with your application. The request would be forwarded
on to the Minister to consider when she makes a decision on your
application.

 

Kind Regards

Jessica | Advisor

Service Advice & Support
Department of Internal Affairs Te Tari Taiwhenua

 

 

-----Original Message-----

From: AP [[2]mailto:[FOI #17349 email]]

Sent: Wednesday, 27 October 2021 00:38

To: J Ardern (MIN) <[3][Jacinda Ardern request email]>

Subject: Official Information request - What happens if I don't want to
pledge my allegiance to the queen?

 

Dear Jacinda Ardern,

 

I would like to ask a question that many citizens of New Zealand may have.

 

What happens if I dont want to plese my allegiance to the queen?

 

I have been a citizen for 6 years now. I respect New Zealand. This is not
about being a New Zealander, this is about the requirement to pledge my
allegiance to the queen. I am proud to be a New Zealander.

 

Regards

 

Yours faithfully,

 

Ankit

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

This is an Official Information request made via the FYI website.

 

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[4][FOI #17349 email]

 

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Information requests to Jacinda Ardern? If so, please contact us using
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[6]https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...

 

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References

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Kia ora,

 

Thank you for your enquiry; this is an auto generated response confirming
your email has been received.

 

Due to higher than expected volumes there will be a delay with responding
to your query. We will reply to your email as soon as possible.  

 

We have the following tools and resources available:

·       Use this tool to check your [1]eligibility for NZ citizenship

·       Follow these steps when you [2]apply for NZ citizenship

·       If you were born overseas to a NZ citizen parent you may need to
[3]register your citizenship to get a NZ passport

 

Ngā mihi,

 

New Zealand Citizenship Mauri o Te Tangata

Department of Internal Affairs Te Tari Taiwhenua

 

References

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Kia ora AP

 

Thank you for your query regarding how you can remove your pledge of
allegiance to the Queen.

 

There is no provision in legislation for a person to remove their pledge
of allegiance to the Queen if they have already made this pledge. As
advised in our last response, a person who is not yet a citizen can
request the Minister of Internal Affairs to waive the requirement that
they take an oath or affirmation of allegiance, however this is not able
to be applied retrospectively.

 

An option is to renounce your New Zealand citizenship, apply again for a
grant of citizenship and request the Minister waive that requirement in
order for you to become a citizen. Only the Minister can make that
decision so I cannot confirm that this would be approved.

 

Information regarding renouncing citizenship can be found on our website:
[1]Giving up your NZ citizenship | New Zealand Government (www.govt.nz)

 

Ngâ mihi

 

Jane Grabham (she/her)* | Kaitohutohu Matua | Senior Advisor

Mauri o te Tangata | Services and Access
Te Tari Taiwhenua | Department of Internal Affairs

[2]Logo-test

 

*If you’re wondering about the use of pronouns she/her on this signature
you can find more information about how sharing pronouns can help to
create a sense of belonging and respect [3]here.

 

-----Original Message-----
From: AP [[4]mailto:[FOI #17349 email]]
Sent: Tuesday, 9 November 2021 12:43:33 AM
To: citizenship
Subject: Official Information request - What happens if I don't want to
pledge my allegiance to the queen?

Hello,

Thank you for responding to my query. I am already a citizen so the
suggested request for a waiver does not apply to me.

So what happens if I don't want to pledge my allegiance to the queen
anymore? I would like to restate that this is no where related to my
allegiance to New Zealand. For me and a lot of others these are two
different allegiances.

Yours sincerely,

AP

-----Original Message-----

Kia ora Ankit

  

 Thank you for your enquiry.

  

 We suspect your question is related to the Oath of Allegiance during a
New
 Zealand Citizenship ceremony and therefore have answered as such below.

  

 The New Zealand Citizenship Oath of Allegiance is prescribed by the New
 Zealand legislation [1]Citizenship Act 1977. The current version of the
 Oath of allegiance has come into force by section 2 of the Citizenship
 Amendment Act 1979.

  

 The public ceremony is an opportunity for new citizens to publicly
declare
 their allegiance to their new country and for the local community to
 welcome them on behalf of all New Zealanders. It is part of the
ceremony’s
 process for new citizens to stand before an official person and take the
 Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance.

  

 The Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance to the Queen reflects New Zealand’s
 constitutional monarchy. The British sovereign is New Zealand's head of
 state. Allegiance to the Queen means allegiance to New Zealand.

  

 The Act does allow the Minister to waive the requirement for an applicant
 for the grant of citizenship to take the Oath of  Allegiance. When
 applying for citizenship, you may wish to include a request for a waiver
 of the requirement with your application. The request would be forwarded
 on to the Minister to consider when she makes a decision on your
 application.

  

 Kind Regards

 Jessica | Advisor

 Service Advice & Support
 Department of Internal Affairs Te Tari Taiwhenua

  

  

-------------------------------------------------------------------
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[5][FOI #17349 email]

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-------------------------------------------------------------------

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hide quoted sections

Kia ora AP

 

Thank you for your email.

 

I have forwarded your request through to the appropriate team who will
respond to your enquiry.

 

Nāku noa nā

 

Cassie

Life Identity Services Officer | Āpiha Ratonga Tuakiri Ora | Births,
Deaths and Marriages Office

NZ: 0800 22 52 52 | Outside NZ: +64 9 339 0852

Mon to Fri 8am - 7pm

Department of Internal Affairs Te Tari Taiwhenua

-----Original Message-----
From: AP [[1]mailto:[FOI #17349 email]]
Sent: Wednesday, 10 November 2021 11:02:03 AM
To: citizenship
Subject: Official Information request - What happens if I don't want to
pledge my allegiance to the queen? (CID:mpr9tj$5syfznjnlgg)

Dear citizenship,

Thank you for responding. Someone should not have to go this length to
understand that they can ask for a waiver in their citizenship
application.
I recommend this option is available in the citizenship application so
people know that they can actually request for a waiver.

How do I proceed about making a request to make this change in the
citizenship application.

Yours sincerely,

AP

-----Original Message-----

Kia ora AP

  

 Thank you for your query regarding how you can remove your pledge of
 allegiance to the Queen.

  

 There is no provision in legislation for a person to remove their pledge
 of allegiance to the Queen if they have already made this pledge. As
 advised in our last response, a person who is not yet a citizen can
 request the Minister of Internal Affairs to waive the requirement that
 they take an oath or affirmation of allegiance, however this is not able
 to be applied retrospectively.

  

 An option is to renounce your New Zealand citizenship, apply again for a
 grant of citizenship and request the Minister waive that requirement in
 order for you to become a citizen. Only the Minister can make that
 decision so I cannot confirm that this would be approved.

  

 Information regarding renouncing citizenship can be found on our website:
 [1]Giving up your NZ citizenship | New Zealand Government
([2]https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...)

  

 Ngâ mihi

  

 Jane Grabham (she/her)* | Kaitohutohu Matua | Senior Advisor

 Mauri o te Tangata | Services and Access
 Te Tari Taiwhenua | Department of Internal Affairs

 [2]Logo-test

  

 *If you’re wondering about the use of pronouns she/her on this signature
 you can find more information about how sharing pronouns can help to
 create a sense of belonging and respect [3]here.

  

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #17349 email]

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
[3]https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...

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-------------------------------------------------------------------

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hide quoted sections

Kia ora AP

 

Thank you for your suggestion to include information in the citizenship
application about being able to request the waiver of the requirement that
a person pledge allegiance to the Queen in order to be granted
citizenship.

 

I have passed this request to the relevant teams within the Department of
Internal Affairs who deal with the content of application forms and
guidance material, and your feedback will be considered next time a review
of this material is undertaken.

 

Ngā mihi

 

Jane Grabham (she/her)* | Kaitohutohu Matua | Senior Advisor

Mauri o te Tangata | Services and Access
Te Tari Taiwhenua | Department of Internal Affairs

[1]Logo-test

 

*If you’re wondering about the use of pronouns she/her on this signature
you can find more information about how sharing pronouns can help to
create a sense of belonging and respect [2]here.

 

-----Original Message-----
From: AP [[3]mailto:[FOI #17349 email]]
Sent: Wednesday, 10 November 2021 11:02:03 AM
To: citizenship
Subject: Official Information request - What happens if I don't want to
pledge my allegiance to the queen? ([4]CID:mpr9tj$5syfznjnlgg)

Dear citizenship,

Thank you for responding. Someone should not have to go this length to
understand that they can ask for a waiver in their citizenship
application.
I recommend this option is available in the citizenship application so
people know that they can actually request for a waiver.

How do I proceed about making a request to make this change in the
citizenship application.

Yours sincerely,

AP

-----Original Message-----

Kia ora AP

  

 Thank you for your query regarding how you can remove your pledge of
 allegiance to the Queen.

  

 There is no provision in legislation for a person to remove their pledge
 of allegiance to the Queen if they have already made this pledge. As
 advised in our last response, a person who is not yet a citizen can
 request the Minister of Internal Affairs to waive the requirement that
 they take an oath or affirmation of allegiance, however this is not able
 to be applied retrospectively.

  

 An option is to renounce your New Zealand citizenship, apply again for a
 grant of citizenship and request the Minister waive that requirement in
 order for you to become a citizen. Only the Minister can make that
 decision so I cannot confirm that this would be approved.

  

 Information regarding renouncing citizenship can be found on our website:
 [1]Giving up your NZ citizenship | New Zealand Government
([5]https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...)

  

 Ngâ mihi

  

 Jane Grabham (she/her)* | Kaitohutohu Matua | Senior Advisor

 Mauri o te Tangata | Services and Access
 Te Tari Taiwhenua | Department of Internal Affairs

 [2]Logo-test

  

 *If you’re wondering about the use of pronouns she/her on this signature
 you can find more information about how sharing pronouns can help to
 create a sense of belonging and respect [3]here.

  

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[6][FOI #17349 email]

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be published on
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Kia ora AP

 

Thank you for your email. As previously advised, your feedback has been
passed on to relevant teams in the Department of Internal Affairs who will
take this into account next time a review of the application material is
undertaken. There is no set timeframe on this.

 

You are welcome to email your concerns to [1]Hon Jan Tinetti, Minister of
Internal Affairs.

 

For information on petitions please refer to the [2]New Zealand Parliament
website.

 

Ngā mihi

 

Jane Grabham (she/her)* | Kaitohutohu Matua | Senior Advisor

Mauri o te Tangata | Services and Access

Te Tari Taiwhenua | Department of Internal Affairs

 

 

 

-----Original Message-----

From: AP <[3][FOI #17349 email]>

Sent: Monday, 6 December 2021 8:40 AM

To: ServiceAdviceAndSupport <[4][email address]>

Subject: RE: Official Information request - What happens if I don't want
to pledge my allegiance to the queen? ([5]CID:mpr9tj$5syfznjnlgg)

 

Dear ServiceAdviceAndSupport,

 

I would like to receive an update on the progress of this request. Based
on your response, it seems that it may be considered. I would like to this
request to be given more consideration. How can I change petition for a
change so this is taken seriously?

 

My grandparents and great grandparents have suffered under the colonial
rule. This is not unique to just me. There must hundreds of thousands of
migrants in this country who share this sentiment.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

AP

 

-----Original Message-----

 

Kia ora AP

 

 

 

Thank you for your suggestion to include information in the citizenship 
application about being able to request the waiver of the requirement
that  a person pledge allegiance to the Queen in order to be granted 
citizenship.

 

 

 

I have passed this request to the relevant teams within the Department of 
Internal Affairs who deal with the content of application forms and 
guidance material, and your feedback will be considered next time a
review  of this material is undertaken.

 

 

 

Ngā mihi

 

 

 

Jane Grabham (she/her)* | Kaitohutohu Matua | Senior Advisor

 

Mauri o te Tangata | Services and Access  Te Tari Taiwhenua | Department
of Internal Affairs

 

[1]Logo-test

 

 

 

*If you’re wondering about the use of pronouns she/her on this signature 
you can find more information about how sharing pronouns can help to 
create a sense of belonging and respect [2]here.

 

 

 

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