We are always honoured to welcome new citizens to our district, and as we are nearing the end of a busy year, we were delighted to celebrate the occasion again – the last for the 2024 year.

Our council was full of happiness and delight on Thursday last week as 12 new citizens were officially welcomed to the Waitomo District at a citizenship ceremony.

The latest New Zealand citizens, from Samoa, England, Fiji and Hong Kong, were addressed by Waitomo District Mayor, John Robertson and welcomed to the district at a special ceremony on Thursday 12 December 2024.

They are Sulusi Ailoi, Meka Ailoi, Vaai Konesetasia Sulusi, Pafelio Sulusi, Petesa Josephine Sulusi Ailoi, Mandy Sulusi, and Virginia Sulusi, Vavega Lifa, Fogaa Lifa and Theresa Vavega Lifa, Tina Anne Knox, Josaia Sauliga Korosaya and Tsz Wah Fani Ng.

Citizenship Ceremonies are a special occasion to share with friends and family, and it’s always a great pleasure to be able to celebrate this occasion with our new citizens.

The ceremony is an important step in the process of becoming a New Zealand citizen, and it gives new citizens a chance to share the experience of being welcomed into our community and participate in a way that helps enrich our culture.