Carterton has welcomed 11 new citizens to its community.
In an emotional ceremony yesterday, Carterton Mayor Ron Mark congratulated the group for making the town their home, and said it was a significant decision to become a citizen.
“You bring with you your own languages, religions, and histories.
“It adds to the tapestry
of our culture, and you make
us the richer for that,” Mark said.
The district’s new citizens came from six countries across four continents: India, Sweden, England, Italy, South Africa, and the United States of America.
In a video message, Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro said the new citizens would join one of the most diverse populations in the world.
“You will go on to shape our communities and our nation, our history will become a part of your history, and our future will become part of yours,” Kiro said.
The 11 new citizens swore allegiance to King Charles the Third King of New Zealand, a first since Queen Elizabeth II died.
They also vowed to faithfully observe New Zealand’s laws and fulfil their duties as New Zealanders.
Gladstone vineyard worker Roberto Diana, originally from Italy, gave his affirmation of allegiance in te reo Maori.
Fresh New Zealander David Warner said he had arrived on Aotearoa’s shores of Aotearoa from England 34 years ago
and said his decision to become a citizen felt like “an old couple deciding to get married after living together for years”.
Husband and wife Mark and Viktoria Chamberman, from England and Sweden, moved to New Zealand 20 and 19 years ago.
They had their children in New Zealand, so decided to become citizens too.
“We’ve been here for so long; it just felt right to take the final step,” Viktoria said.
