Far North celebrates diversity at citizenship ceremony

Thirty-seven Far North residents were proudly welcomed into council chambers on Monday 29 September as family and friends gathered to watch them officially become New Zealand citizens.

Each new citizen took a pledge of allegiance, with some choosing to deliver theirs in te reo Māori. Each was then formally recognised as a New Zealand citizen and presented with a certificate of citizenship.

The new citizens reflect the district’s cultural diversity with 17 nationalities represented, including Germany, Philippines, Scotland, Belgium, USA, Turkey, Hungary, Canada, South Africa, UK, Hong Kong, France, Thailand, Fiji, Wales and Samoa.

The event concluded with a Welcome to Aotearoa video message from Her Excellency The Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro, Governor-General of New Zealand, the representative of King Charles, followed by the gathering singing the national anthem.

For many in attendance, the day is a milestone, celebrating both their cultural roots and their new shared identity as New Zealanders.

To become a New Zealand citizen, applicants must meet fulfil several requirements including having lived in New Zealand as a resident for a minimum of five years, be of good character and be able to hold a basic conversation in English. Go to the New Zealand Government website to find out more.