One of my favourite things about being mayor is meeting people from different backgrounds, hearing about their journeys, and learning about their hopes and aspirations for the future.
That's why I always enjoy our citizenship ceremonies. They are happy occasions, bringing together people from all corners of the world who have chosen to make New Zealand their home. Seeing the joy and pride on people's faces as they receive their citizenship certificates is a real privilege.
Yesterday we welcomed 25 new New Zealand citizens representing 16 nations across five continents. Our new citizens are a reminder that people from all around the world choose to build their lives in New Zealand and contribute to communities like ours.
Congratulations to our newest citizens. Thank you for for choosing to be part of our Kaipara community.
Welcome to Simone (Samoa), Jérémy (France), Mateo (United States of America), Ivan (Mexico), Pamela (Botswana), Angila (Fiji), Cecile (France), John (Scotland), Jason (United Kingdom), Andrew (England), Michael (United Kingdom), Sabrina (Germany), Sakaraia (Fiji), Ro (Fiji), Mere (Fiji), Louisa (Fiji), Siv (Cambodia), Yue (China), Jean (United Kingdom), Thomas (England), Luciana (Brazil), Bikramjit (India), Yi-fang (Taiwan), Julia (Germany), and Madara (Latvia).
Photo: The new citizens with Mayor Larsen, Naval escort Lieutenant Commander Michael Smith, Deputy Mayor Gordon Lambeth, Councillor Rachael Williams and Councillor Denise Rogers— at Mangawhai Heads.
Photo: Mayor Larsen with the Kuinikoro and Tubailagi family— at Mangawhai Heads.
Photo: Mayor Larsen with the Cruz and Minett family— at Mangawhai Heads.
