Publishing of newest citizens’ names irregular

SOUTHERN councils all take a slightly different approach to the release of their newest citizen’s information.

The Dunedin City Council will no longer share the names of new citizens with the media after the Department of Internal Affairs advised it should no longer provide that information.

New citizens will still be able to give permission for their information to be published and the ceremonies are still open to the public, including the media.

A DCC spokesman said the council had always been happy to share the names and nationalities with the media because the names were read out at the ceremony and that ensured they were correctly spelled in any publication.

But after receiving a request from a local notforprofit organisation to share new citizens’ details the council sought advice from the DIA, which advised no details should be shared without the permission of each individual.

The spokesman said the council wanted to find a way to keep providing local media with a list of the names and nationalities because the publication of the information was a nice way to celebrate the city’s newest citizens.

A DIA spokeswoman said all personal information gathered from new citizens needed to be used for the same purpose it was gathered. Individual consent was required to use it for any other reason.

Other southern councils such as the Waitaki District Council and the Queenstown Lakes District Council do not release the names of new citizens.

Other councils including the Central Otago District Council, Southland District Council and the Invercargill District Council all release the names and nationalities of new citizens after notifying them beforehand or if they are asked for.

The Clutha District Council and Gore District Council hold the ceremonies before the start of a full council meeting and names are included in the public agenda.