Citizenship Ceremony welcomes new Kiwis

Published on 24 November 2023

It was a nearly full Oamaru Opera House which welcomed twenty-four new New Zealand citizens at a ceremony on Tuesday this week.

Hailing from the United Kingdom, Kenya, Taiwan, India, South Africa, Wales, Tonga, Zambia, Phillipines, Thailand and Tonga – the last citizenship ceremony of 2023 highlighted the diversity of our region.

Students from Weston School welcomed the new citizens, their families and friends, with waiata. It was a special occasion for three performing students of the school, as their family members were receiving their citizenship. Another student of the school was also their to support their mum become a new citizen!

The ceremony was led by Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher and Deputy Mayor Hana Halalele, who were assisted by Councillors Hopkins, Linwood and McCone. The new citizens took an oath or affirmation of allegiance, and were presented with a citizenship pack and a native hebe plant.

The ceremony then showed a welcome video from Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro, before the Weston School students and the attendees sang the National Anthem.

Mayor Gary Kircher: “It’s a real privilege to be part of such a significant time in people’s lives. These ceremonies are truly special occasions and show just how welcoming our country is to those who come to live here. Whether they’ve been here five years or thirty-five years, choosing to become a New Zealand citizen is something we love to celebrate”

The ceremony ended with an afternoon tea, and completed the welcome for the newest New Zealanders.

ENDS