Dear Department of Internal Affairs,

I am writing to seek clarification regarding citizenship ceremonies in Timaru and the current wait times for approved applicants.

1. What is the typical number of people invited to attend each citizenship ceremony held in Timaru?
2. On days when more than one citizenship ceremony is organised, approximately how many attendees are accommodated in total?

Available information indicates that applicants based in Auckland and other major urban centres are often able to attend their citizenship ceremonies within a few months of approval. In contrast, applicants based in Timaru appear to be experiencing wait times exceeding seven months. This suggests an inequitable difference in wait times between regions.

3. Could you please advise whether the Department of Internal Affairs is taking any active steps to reduce the backlog and extended wait times for Timaru-based applicants? For example, are there plans to: hold ceremonies more frequently, or use larger venues to accommodate more attendees?

I would appreciate any information or updates you can provide on this matter.

Yours faithfully,

Eddie J