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Published on 22 May 2024
Waitaki welcomed 24 brand-new New Zealanders yesterday in a citizenship ceremony at Oamaru Opera House.
The freshly minted citizens hailed from nine different nations; Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom, India, Fiji, Egypt, Australia, Tonga, South Africa and Samoa.
The ceremony was led by Mayor Gary Kircher, and Upoko David Higgins of Te Runanga o Moeraki also welcomed attendees.
The new citizens took an oath or affirmation of allegiance, and were presented with a citizenship pack and a native hebe plant by Mayor Gary Kircher, Deputy Mayor Hana Halelele QSM, Councillor John McCone and Upoko David Higgins of Te Runanga o Moeraki.
The ceremony then showed a welcome video from Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro, before attendees and students from Waitaki Girls High School sang the National Anthem.
Mayor Kircher says: “Citizenship ceremonies are always truly special occasions and show how welcoming Waitaki and New Zealand are to those who come to live here. Choosing to become a New Zealand citizen is something we love to celebrate”
ENDS