A group of 13 people from four countries were welcomed as new citizens of New Zealand and Waitomo District on Thursday 11 December.

The new citizens were sworn in and awarded a citizenship certificate. A morning tea was held following the ceremonies to mark the occasion.

Mayor Brian Hanna welcomed the group in the Council chambers in front of family and supporters. The citizens came from the South Africa, Samoa, Cambodia and Korea.

Mr Hanna says he enjoys being able to welcome new people. “It is great to help make this the ‘place they call home’. “We wish them all the best as they settle into the Waitomo District,” he says.

The formal ceremony is a very important step in the process of becoming a New Zealand citizen.

Warm welcome to (from left) Mr Petaia Soi, Mrs Vichheka Luy, Ms Leasiosio Matini, Mr Kyungyeon Park, Mr Fili, Mrs Naomi Fili, (Mayor Hanna), Mr Uili Fili, Mr Humphrey Du Plessis, Mr Misiluni Malolua, Mrs Madeleine Du Plessis, and Mr Tiuli Matini. (Absent Mrs Malolua and Master Malolua).