New Ruapehu (And NZ) Citizens

Ruapehu Mayor Don Cameron swore-in five new New Zealand citizens at an official ceremony in council’s Ohakune chamber today.

It was the first time the citizenship ceremony has been held in Ohakune for some time with it usually being held in Council’s Taumarunui chamber.

The five new citizens from South Africa and the Philippines who were all supported by family and friends swore allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen of New Zealand before Mayor Cameron as representative of the New Zealand government.

Mayor Cameron said that Council had decided to hold citizenship ceremonies in Ohakune as there were an increasing number of new citizens who live in the south of the district.

“The swearing-in of new New Zealand citizens is one of my favourite official duties,” he said.

“Although the official swearing in ceremony needs to follow a strict protocol we give it a unique Ruapehu flavour with Kaumatua from local iwi calling the soon to be new citizens and guests into the chamber and participating in the ceremony.”

“For all the new citizens this is a significant and special day in their lives where they complete the journey toward making New Zealand home.”

Peter Till
Chief Executive

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