Fill NZ Statutory Declaration online
Statutory Declaration under the Oaths and Declarations Act 1957
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NZ Statutory Declaration in short
A New Zealand statutory declaration is a written statement that you declare to be true, signed in front of an official witness face to face. It is made under the Oaths and Declarations Act 1957 and is used, for example, to give evidence about your identity after losing documents or about property damaged in a natural disaster. Govt.nz provides a free one page form you can type into, print and sign.
| Issued by | Govt.nz (Department of Internal Affairs), with guidance from the Ministry of Justice |
|---|---|
| Current version | Ministry of Justice form (checked 2026-10-25) |
| Who fills it in | Any person who needs to confirm in writing that something is true, when an organisation, court or agency asks for a statutory declaration. |
| Who receives it | The organisation, agency or court that asked for the declaration. Govt.nz does not collect declarations. |
| Where to send it | Follow the instructions of whoever asked for it. |
| Fee | The form is free. Govt.nz says a solicitor or notary public may charge for witnessing. |
| Official links | Official page · Official PDF · Official instructions |
How to fill out NZ Statutory Declaration, line by line
| I | Your full name Your full name. Govt.nz says your full name, job and address must be in English. |
| of | The address where you live Your home address. |
| Occupation | Your occupation For example bricklayer, teacher or unemployed, as shown on the form. |
| solemnly and sincerely declare that | The facts you declare List the facts in your own words and number each point. Write in the first person, for example 'I saw'. Include all the evidence you want verified, including extra documents. |
| Signature section | Your signature Do not complete this section until you are with the person witnessing your declaration. If there is more than 1 page, each page must also be initialled. |
| Declared at | Place and date The town or city where you sign and the day, month and year. |
| Before me | Name and signature of official witness The witness writes their name and signs, for example a Justice of the Peace, a solicitor or another person authorised to take a statutory declaration. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Signing before you meet the witness. The form says not to complete the signature section until you are with the witness.
- Trying to sign with an e-signature or over a video call. Govt.nz says you must meet the witness in person and cannot use e-signatures or video calls.
- Leaving out the words 'solemnly and sincerely declare that' if you write your own declaration by hand.
- Writing your name, job or address in a language other than English.
- Not initialling every page when the declaration has more than 1 page, or not initialling changes.
- Using a witness who is not authorised, such as a friend who is not a JP, solicitor, notary public, court registrar or member of Parliament.
- Writing anything that is not true. The form warns you can be prosecuted for a false declaration.
Questions about NZ Statutory Declaration
Who can witness a statutory declaration in New Zealand?
Govt.nz lists a Justice of the Peace, a solicitor or notary public, a Registrar or Deputy Registrar of the District Court or the High Court, and a member of Parliament, among others.
Can a statutory declaration be witnessed online?
Govt.nz says you need to meet an official witness in person. You cannot use e-signatures or meet over a video call.
Can I write my own statutory declaration?
Yes. Govt.nz says it is ok to write one by hand as long as you include all the necessary information, including your full name, job and address and the words 'solemnly and sincerely declare that'.
Can the declaration be in another language?
Your full name, job and address must be in English. Other information can be in another language, but the witness must be able to read and understand it, so you may need a translation.
What if I made a mistake?
Any changes must be initialled. If you have already submitted it, Govt.nz says to contact the court and ask what to do. Usually you will be asked to complete a new declaration.
What happens if the declaration is false?
Govt.nz says it is a crime to make a false declaration, and the form warns you can be prosecuted.
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Checked against the official sources on 2026-10-25. PDF Editor Hub is not affiliated with the Govt.nz or any government agency. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.