The Waitaki has 19 more official New Zealanders, following a citizenship ceremony at the Ōamaru Opera House on Tuesday (20 August).

Hailing from United Kingdom, Netherlands, the United States, Tonga, India, South Africa, Fiji, Samoa, Philippines and China, the newest Kiwis were welcomed with a waiata from Maheno School’s kapa haka group.

The ceremony was led by Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher, with Deputy Mayor Hana Halalele and councillor Rebecca Ryan also taking part. 

Each new citizen swore an oath and was presented with a certificate and a native hebe as a welcoming gift.

A welcome video from Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro was screened, before attendees and students from Maheno School sang the National Anthem.

“Citizenship ceremonies are always very special for our community, as people commit their future to New Zealand,” Gary says.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome the newest New Zealanders, and their families with help from one of our local schools.”

The new citizens are: Lorraine Adams (UK), Jessica De Ridder (Netherlands), Paul and Pamela Jacobs (USA), Ekilau Le’ohau (Tonga), Staju Lukose, Sephrin Staju, Serah Staju, Daiki Thomas (India), Ryan Macklin (South Africa), Shakuntala and Sate Narayan (Fiji), Faranisoa Poasa and Sueseu Taefu (Samoa), Sonja Roco (Netherlands), Litisila Tuatonga (Tonga), Gareth Thomas (UK), Virginia Walker (Philippines) and Chen Yang (China).