Wairoa welcomed five new Kiwis at an official citizenship ceremony last week.

Mayor Craig Little presented the recipients with certificates of citizenship giving them a formal welcome to the town and country.

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 or Affirmation of Allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen, and completing the necessary formalities to make you a citizen of New Zealand.

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, Mr Little said in his address to Wairoa’s newest New Zealand citizens.

A large group of friends and family also gathered at Wairoa District Council’s Chambers to share in the ceremony and to also acknowledge Wairoa’s five newest kiwis.

Originally from the United Kingdom, Kevin English came to Wairoa over nine years ago as an ambulance officer.

I’ve actually been in New Zealand for over 40 years with my father and mother, living in Waipukurau and younger brother, living in Auckland and I just never really got around to getting my citizenship.

Since being in Wairoa, I‘ve developed a strong network of friends and work colleagues and I’ve also been adopted by the whānau out at Whakaki marae.

All of my Wairoa whānau and friends have been the real reason for me getting my citizenship.
I have such a connection now to this place, a real sense of belonging to Wairoa and I now have firm roots here, Mr English said.

For more information:

Kitea Tipuna
Communications Strategist
Wairoa District Council
(06) 838 7309

5 July 2016

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