Tuesday 24 February marked a special milestone for 13 people from our district who became New Zealand citizens during a special ceremony at the Waimate Event Centre. Five countries were represented – Brazil, India, United Kingdom, the Philippines and the United States.
Mayor Craig Rowley welcomed the new citizens and their friends and family and thanked them for making a commitment to New Zealand. After declaring their oath of citizenship, some took the opportunity to say a few words.
Carsten Stracke from the United States spoke of having “neighbours we actually know” and joining the local volunteer fire brigade in St Andrews. Esteniley Daminar from the Philippines had prepared a speech for the occasion, saying she had immigrated “with fear in one hand and faith in the other,” that she saw New Zealand through “grateful eyes” and that her family had not only found a place to live, but also a place to belong.
To complete the ceremony, the gathering sang the National Anthem and watched a presentation from the Department of Internal Affairs featuring addresses from the Governor-General and the Minister of Internal Affairs. The group then moved outsides for photographs before enjoying some light refreshments and a relaxed mix and mingle.
