Wairoa warmly welcomed its newest Kiwis at an official citizenship ceremony on Wednesday last week.

Councillor Hine Flood, on behalf of Mayor Craig Little, presented Malakai Foki, Amber-Jean D’Arcy, Mary Poulose, Thomas Joseph, Aldrin Thomas and Johanne Tew with their certificates of New Zealand citizenship by completing the formal ceremony and welcoming them as New Zealand citizens.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of New Zealand in general, and the citizens of Wairoa District in particular, I welcome you here today for the purpose of taking the Oath of Allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen, and completing the necessary formalities to make you a citizen of New Zealand,” Mrs Flood said in her speech.

“It takes great courage to leave the country of your birth and it takes even greater wisdom to call New Zealand and Wairoa your home.”

Image Caption: Malakai Foki, Johanne Tew, Councillor Hine Flood, Amber-Jean D’arcy, Mary Poulose, Thomas Joseph and Aldrin Thomas.

Family and friends also gathered at Wairoa District Council’s Chambers to share in the ceremony.

It was an emotional ceremony for Mr Foki, who has lived in Wairoa for nearly 50 years.

“Most people know me as Harry, but my real name is Malakai… I have had many problems with my passport when I head overseas, but now, I am free,” Mr Foki said in his speech 

Ms Johanne Tew said she felt warmly welcomed the first time she and her daughter first moved to Wairoa. 

“I’m so grateful that my citizenship has been confirmed. I feel a greater sense of connection to Wairoa and to New Zealand now,” Ms Tew said.

31 October 2018

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