Kahika Moko Tepania welcomes new citizens
Twenty-three people became New Zealand citizens yesterday at Council Chambers in Kaikohe – the first citizenship ceremony officiated by Far North Kahika (Mayor) Moko Tepania and the first held for many months due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Twenty-three people became New Zealand citizens yesterday at Council Chambers in Kaikohe – the first citizenship ceremony officiated by Far North Kahika (Mayor) Moko Tepania and the first held for many months due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The new Kiwis hail from all corners of the world, including the Czech Republic, India, Samoa, Switzerland, Germany, Malaysia and the United Kingdom. The ceremony requires each to take an oath or affirmation of allegiance to New Zealand witnessed by Kahika Tepania. Around 50 friends, whānau and council staff were also in attendance to provide support.
Kahika Tepania told the gathering that officiating at the ceremonies was a very special privilege that came with his new job and welcomed each to the New Zealand whānau.
Citizenship ceremonies are conducted by local councils and usually take place within two to five months of citizenship being approved. However, they were put on hold around the country due to COVID-19 restrictions. The ceremonies resumed in New Zealand in August.
Images: Far North Kahika (Mayor) Moko Tepania welcomes new citizens to the national whānau.
