Citizenship ceremony welcomes 32 new Kiwis from 12 nations

Tears, laughter and cultural pride filled council chambers on Monday 31 March as 32 people from 12 different nations became New Zealand citizens in a moving ceremony that celebrated diversity and belonging.

The ceremony opened with a karakia, followed by the singing of a himene and the national anthem in both Te Reo Māori and English. A video message from Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro welcomed the group, reinforcing the significance of their new citizenship.

Forty-seven family, friends and supporters joined the recipients as they received their certificates. They were given the opportunity to share their culture, with one new citizen performing a traditional Fijian dance. Attendees included citizens from Australia, Belarus, Canada, China, Fiji, Germany, India, South Korea, the Philippines, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States.

For some, the ceremony marked the end of a decades-long journey. A few had been living in Aotearoa for more than 35 years before gaining citizenship. Many described the experience as deeply emotional and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to formally become part of the Far North whānau.

Citizenship ceremonies are held quarterly in the district, with more than 120 people typically welcomed each year. Kahika Moko Tepania, who hosted the ceremony, shared his reflections on social media, calling the event “one of the highlights of being mayor” noting the atmosphere of joy, nerves and pride in the room. “Quite a few have been in Aotearoa longer than me” he said. “Today was a special occasion that I reckon many of us who are citizens by birth take for granted.”

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Main photo - Kahika Moko Tepania with the new citizens.