The ranks of Wairarapa’s
New Zealand citizens have swelled by more than 50, after two recent citizenship ceremonies in the region. Masterton and Tararua mayors welcomed the new citizens in separate ceremonies last week.
At Te Ore Ore Marae in Masterton, 32 people took an oath or affirmation of allegiance to King Charles III on Thursday.
The new citizens came from far and wide to Aotearoa, including from Samoa, Bahamas, Philippines, South Africa, Romania, Italy, Brazil, and India.
Masterton District Council said the group was twice the normal size for citizenship ceremonies, with Mayor Gary Caffell observing it was a fantastic day.
“What a thrill to preside over my first citizenship ceremony. Fantastic occasion for all concerned,” Caffell said.
Meanwhile, Tararua Mayor Tracey Collis said it was a pleasure to welcome 20 citizens in a ceremony on Tuesday.
“New Zealand is no longer just your home. It is now your country,” she told the freshly-minted New Zealanders.
“You are joining the New Zealand family. New Zealand’s future and your future are woven together now.”
