Statutory Declaration Template
A statutory declaration is a formal written statement of fact made under the Oaths and Declarations Act 1957. Use our free New Zealand template to produce a declaration ready for signature before a Justice of the Peace, solicitor, or other authorised witness.
| FULL NAME | Ngaire Elizabeth Parata |
| ADDRESS | 56 Karori Road, Wellington 6012 |
| OCCUPATION | Software Engineer |
| PURPOSE | Change of Name Registration |
1. I, Ngaire Elizabeth Parata, previously known as Ngaire Elizabeth Hawkins, make this statutory declaration to confirm my change of name by deed poll, registered on 10 March 2026. 2. I have used the name Ngaire Elizabeth Parata consistently since the date of registration and all my dealings have been conducted under this name. 3. The documents attached hereto as Exhibit A (Deed Poll) and Exhibit B (Birth Certificate) are true and correct copies of the originals. 4. I make this declaration for the purpose of updating my name with Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) and banking institutions.
| DECLARED AT | Wellington |
| DATE | 15 April 2026 |
This declaration was made and subscribed before me at Wellington on 15 April 2026.
What Is a Statutory Declaration?
A statutory declaration is a formal written statement of fact made by a person and confirmed as true by that person’s declaration in the presence of an authorised witness. Unlike an affidavit (which is sworn on oath), a statutory declaration is made by solemn declaration and is used where an oath is not specifically required.
In New Zealand, statutory declarations are governed by the Oaths and Declarations Act 1957. The Act prescribes the form of declaration in the First Schedule and sets out who is authorised to take the declaration in sections 9 and 11: a Justice of the Peace, a solicitor, a notary public, a Registrar or Deputy Registrar of the High Court or District Court, a Member of Parliament, or certain other officers. Making a false statutory declaration is a criminal offence under section 111 of the Crimes Act 1961, punishable by up to three years’ imprisonment.
Statutory declarations are used in many contexts: supporting immigration and visa applications, name-change notifications to the Department of Internal Affairs, lost-document replacements, evidence for banks and insurers, statements for employers or landlords, and any situation where a formal, legally-binding written statement of fact is needed.
What's Covered in This Template
Our statutory declaration template produces a document that matches the prescribed form under the Oaths and Declarations Act 1957.
Declarant’s Details
Full legal name, occupation, and residential address of the person making the declaration.
Opening Preamble
The prescribed wording: "I [name], of [address], [occupation], solemnly and sincerely declare that —"
Numbered Statements of Fact
Clear, factual statements numbered sequentially, each making a single point.
Supporting Exhibits
Reference to any documents attached and marked as exhibits (e.g. "Exhibit A").
Closing Words
The prescribed closing: "And I make this solemn declaration conscientiously believing the same to be true and by virtue of the Oaths and Declarations Act 1957."
Signature Block
Space for the declarant to sign in the presence of the authorised witness.
Witness Jurat
The jurat for the authorised witness, recording the place and date of declaration.
Witness Authority
Space for the witness to state their capacity (Justice of the Peace, solicitor, notary public, etc.).
Attached Exhibits
Layout for exhibits referenced in the declaration, each certified by the witness.
Plain Professional Layout
Clean typography and spacing consistent with New Zealand legal document conventions.
How to Make a Statutory Declaration
Follow the steps below to prepare and properly execute a statutory declaration.
- 1
Enter Your Details
Provide your full legal name, occupation, and residential address.
- 2
Draft the Statements of Fact
Write each fact clearly and in plain English, in numbered paragraphs. Only include matters within your personal knowledge.
- 3
Attach Supporting Documents
If relying on any documents, attach them as Exhibit A, Exhibit B, and so on, and refer to them in the declaration.
- 4
Review for Accuracy
Re-read carefully. A false statement is a criminal offence under section 111 of the Crimes Act 1961.
- 5
Sign Before an Authorised Witness
Sign the declaration only in the presence of a Justice of the Peace, solicitor, notary public, Registrar, or other authorised person, who will complete the jurat.
Legal Considerations
Statutory declarations are formal legal documents and making a false one is a criminal offence.
This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Do not sign a statutory declaration containing statements you are not certain are true. For significant matters, consult a New Zealand lawyer or Justice of the Peace.
Prescribed form under the Oaths and Declarations Act 1957
Prescribed Form
Section 9 of New Zealand’s Oaths and Declarations Act 1957 prescribes the form of statutory declaration, reproduced in the First Schedule. The opening ("I … solemnly and sincerely declare") and closing ("… conscientiously believing the same to be true and by virtue of the Oaths and Declarations Act 1957") words must be used for the declaration to be valid in New Zealand. This template follows the prescribed form.
Authorised Witnesses
Sections 9 and 11 of the Oaths and Declarations Act 1957 set out who can take a statutory declaration in New Zealand. The most accessible are Justices of the Peace (JPs), who provide the service free at many community JP offices across New Zealand, and solicitors. Other authorised persons include notaries public, Registrars of the High Court and District Court, and certain public officers. Some overseas witnesses are also authorised under section 11 to take declarations for use in New Zealand.
False Declarations — Criminal Liability
Section 111 of the Crimes Act 1961 provides that everyone who makes a false statutory declaration knowing it to be false is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years. This applies regardless of the purpose for which the declaration was made. The serious criminal consequences are the reason statutory declarations are given significant weight by courts, tribunals, and public bodies.
Declaration vs Affidavit
A statutory declaration is a solemn declaration. An affidavit is sworn on oath (or affirmed by a person who objects to taking an oath). Both are formal written statements attracting criminal liability for falsehood, but affidavits are the default for court proceedings and statutory declarations are the default for out-of-court matters. The Oaths and Declarations Act 1957 deals with both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Declare the Facts Formally
Create a statutorily compliant New Zealand declaration in minutes. Professional formatting, prescribed-form wording, ready to sign before your JP or lawyer.
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