Waitaki welcomes newest citizens

Waitaki welcomed 24 brand-new New Zealanders yesterday in a citizenship ceremony at Oamaru Opera House.

The freshly minted citizens hailed from nine different nations; Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom, India, Fiji, Egypt, Australia, Tonga, South Africa and Samoa.

The ceremony was led by Mayor Gary Kircher, and Upoko David Higgins of Te Runanga o Moeraki also welcomed attendees.

The new citizens took an oath or affirmation of allegiance, and were presented with a citizenship pack and a native hebe plant by Mayor Gary Kircher, Deputy Mayor Hana Halelele QSM, Councillor John McCone and Upoko David Higgins of Te Runanga o Moeraki.

The ceremony then showed a welcome video from Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro, before attendees and students from Waitaki Girls High School sang the National Anthem.

Mayor Kircher says: “Citizenship ceremonies are always truly special occasions and show how welcoming Waitaki and New Zealand are to those who come to live here. Choosing to become a New Zealand citizen is something we love to celebrate”

The new citizens are: Bruce Ward Adams (Zimbabwe), Eleanor Kathleen Barton (UK), Craig Robert Burton (England), Jasmeet Kaur Dhillon (India), Inia Caleb Tadulala Diri, Inia Diri Lala, Miriama Salote Biudole Smantha Matavura (Fiji), Ahmed Salaheldin Mostafa Elsaka (Egypt), John Lenonard Jones (Australia), Zena Elizabeth Keen (England), Sione Walu Bay Laskie (Tonga), Llitea Liku Toganivlu (Fiji), Johann Liebenberg (South Africa), Taimaneolevasalaolao Talalelei (Samoa), Falakika Pipiena Tangifolau, Ane Tangifolau, Onna Telesia Tangifolau, Okusitino Peleki Tangifolau, Kate Edna Latanoa I Oamaru Tangifolau, Lesieli Tahirih Tangifolau (Tonga) Lup Olo I Malae Kahana Tatua, Elima Tatua, Tevita Fifita Tatua, Temaleti Kaleen Ruth Manal Bella Tatua (Tonga)