Kaipara has officially welcomed 29 new citizens from across the globe, following a citizenship ceremony at Mangawhai Golf Club on Wednesday 15 April.

Kaipara District Council Mayor Jonathan Larsen led the ceremony, welcoming attendees to New Zealand and acknowledging their decision to make Kaipara their home.

“Embarking on a journey to settle in a new country takes courage,” he said. “Your presence enriches our community and adds to what makes Kaipara such a vibrant place to live.”

Councillor Rachael Williams and Resident Naval Officer Lieutenant Michael Smith were also in attendance.

During the ceremony, each new citizen was invited to recite the oath or affirmation of allegiance to New Zealand, marking the final step on their path to New Zealand citizenship – a path which for some, had spanned many years.

Kathleen first came to New Zealand more than three decades ago, before returning to the United Kingdom, realising she’d “made a mistake” leaving New Zealand, and returning Down Under. She’s now lived in New Zealand for 29 consecutive years.

Ejaaz – originally from Fiji, had planned only a short stay in New Zealand, but has now called New Zealand home for 17 years and counting.

He said “I’m blessed to be a New Zealand citizen.”

Those welcomed as citizens at the 15 April ceremony were Kathleen (England), Jayd (Australia), Rinrada (Thailand), Deepthika (Sri Lanka), Sriyan (Sri Lanka), Ejaaz (Fiji), Sinéad (Canada), Sarah (United Kingdom), Aidan (United Kingdom), Tu'itupou (Tonga), Toni (Tonga), Anuragdeep (India), Bradley (Canada), Sreynuon (Cambodia), Talanoa (Tonga), Roxanne (South Africa), Peter (England), June (England), Anneke (South Africa), Douglas (South Africa), Andrea (Czechoslovakia), Maynelle (Philippines), Maria (South Africa), Daniel (Brazil), Dion (United Kingdom), Ami (United Kingdom), Barry (United Kingdom), Peter (United Kingdom), and Josefine (Germany).

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