Twenty-four Waitakians officially became New Zealanders on Wednesday in a citizenship ceremony at Ōamaru Opera House.

The new Kiwis hail from nine different nations - Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom, India, Fiji, Egypt, Australia, Tonga, South Africa and Samoa.

The ceremony was led by Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher, and Te Runanga o Moeraki Upoko David Higgins 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 Kircher, Deputy Mayor Hana Halelele QSM, councillor John McCone and Upoko Higgins.

The ceremony then showed a welcome video from Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro before attendees were led by students from Waitaki Girls’ High School in singing the national anthem.

“Citizenship ceremonies are always truly special occasions and show how welcoming Waitaki and New Zealand are to those who come to live here,” Gary said. 

“Choosing to become a New Zealand citizen is something we love to celebrate.”

The new citizens are (names supplied): Bruce Ward Adams (Zimbabwe), Eleanor Kathleen Barton (United Kingdom), Craig Robert Burton (United Kingdom), Jasmeet Kaur Dhillon (India), Inia Caleb Tadulala Diri, Inia Diri Lala, Miriama Salote Biudole Smantha Matavura (Fiji), Ahmed Salaheldin Mostafa Elsaka (Egypt), John Leonard Jones (Australia), Zena Elizabeth Keen (United Kingdom), Sione Walu Bay Laskie (Tonga), Llitea Liku Toganivlu (Fiji), Johann Liebenberg (South Africa), Taimaneolevasalaolao Talalelei (Samoa), Falakika Pipiena Tangifolau, Ane Tangifolau, Onna Telesia Tangifolau, Okusitino Peleki Tangifolau, Kate Edna Latanoa I Oamaru Tangifolau, Lesieli Tahirih Tangifolau (Tonga) Lup Olo I Malae Kahana Tatua,

Elima Tatua, Tevita Fifita Tatua, Temaleti Kaleen Ruth Manal Bella Tatua