This is the full wording of the charter that was adopted by New Plymouth District Council:

Charter

HMNZS AOTEAROA

Whereas the Mayor, Councillors and Citizens of the District of New Plymouth, New Zealand, have agreed to adopt HMNZS AOTEAROA

And whereas the Chief of Navy has agreed to such adoption

And whereas it is desired to place on record this close relationship between the District of New Plymouth and HMNZS AOTEAROA

Now therefore the Mayor and Councillors do confer upon the Officers and Ship’s Company of HMNZS AOTEAROA the right and privilege of marching with drums beating, band playing, colours flying, bayonets fixed and swords drawn through the streets of the District of New Plymouth when such processions are approved and mutually convenient

And do further respectfully and dutifully confer upon all those who serve or shall serve in HMNZS AOTEAROA all the rights and privileges of citizenship of the District of New Plymouth

And the said Mayor, Councillors and Citizens of the District of New Plymouth do hereby acknowledge the responsibilities accepted by their adoption of HMNZS AOTEAROA

And do hereby accept the honour of having the Officer’s and Ship’s Company of the said ship on parade for an inspection by His or Her Worship the Mayor on suitably mutually agreed occasions

And do hereby accept the further honour of having two Officers of HMNZS AOTEAROA when in New Plymouth, being in attendance in uniform upon His or Her Worship the Mayor of New Plymouth on all appropriate occasions.