Nineteen new citizens were minted at the Oamaru Opera House this week, as Waitaki District Council held its last citizenship ceremony of 2024.
The new citizens hail from seven different countries: China, South Africa, Australia, Tonga, Argentina, Thailand and the United Kingdom.
They were welcomed to the ceremony by the St Joseph’s School Choir, before an introduction by Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher who was joined by Councillors Hopkins, Linwood and McCone.
Each were then invited to read out their oath or affirmation of citizenship, and received their citizenship certificate and a native hebe plant.
A video of welcome from the Governor General of New Zealand, Dame Cindy Kiro, was then played before St Josephs School Choir then led attendees in the National Anthem.
Speaking after the ceremony, Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher said, “Being able to welcome the newest New Zealanders is always a very special part of this job. Whether they’ve been here five years, or a lot longer, making the commitment to become a citizen is an important decision. I’d also like to thank St Josephs for their wonderful singing at today’s ceremony”
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