New citizens welcomed at Puketeraki Marae

Dunedin (Wednesday, 6 April 2016) – Dunedin’s most recent New Zealand citizens received a special welcome at the Puketeraki Marae in Karitane today.

It was the first time a Dunedin Citizenship Ceremony had been held at a venue other than a Dunedin City Council building.

Mayor of Dunedin Dave Cull says the ceremony went very well and people enjoyed the significance of being on the marae.

“We received an invitation from Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki to hold a citizenship ceremony on their marae. It’s appropriate because the manawhenua, as first people, have an important role in welcoming the latest citizens into our community.”

Upoko, David Ellison, was very pleased the Rūnaka could carry on the tradition of welcoming new citizens, as local Māori did when European settlers arrived in Dunedin on the Philip Laing and John Wickliffe back in 1848.

About 35 people officially became New Zealand citizens today, accompanied by dozens of supporters.

There are usually 11 Dunedin citizenship ceremonies a year – one a month apart from January. Usually about 40 people attend to officially become New Zealand citizens, although some ceremonies have involved as many as 70 people.

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