Hamilton welcomed 160 new citizens from 32 countries at the first Hamilton City Council citizenship ceremony for the year held on Monday, 27 February.
The event, held in the Wintec Atrium, was live streamed for family and friends of those who couldn’t attend the ceremony in person. An estimated 460 people across the world – from Argentina to Zimbabwe, tuned in to watch the event live as their whaanau were officially adopted as Kiwis.
The new citizens who received their New Zealand citizenship are from 32 countries and many of them turned up in their national or cultural dress. Attendees received a letter of congratulations and a koowhai seedling.
Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate, who welcomed them acknowledged that for many, the journey to become a New Zealander can be a long and difficult one, especially for those that have come here as refugees.
She said the city’s citizenship ceremonies are always among her favourite mayoral duties.
“I’m honoured and excited to be able to officially congratulate these wonderful people as citizens of New Zealand, and I am delighted they have chosen to call Hamilton Kirikiriroa home.
“The koowhai is a symbol of the new roots you have put down here in Aotearoa,” Mayor Southgate said
Senior Chair Councillor Ryan Hamilton echoed the Mayor’s sentiment. “It’s really special to be able to welcome new citizens to our wonderful city. Hamilton is already home to 160 different ethnic groups, and the cultural diversity each group brings only makes us a more vibrant and international city.”
The citizenship ceremony is the final step in becoming a New Zealand citizen. Apart from meeting other criteria, one must have been a resident for at least 5 years. Attendees receive their citizenship certificates after taking an oath or affirmation of allegiance.
New Zealand passport currently ranks at the seventh place (Henley Passport Index) and its holders have visa-free access to 186 countries.
– from NewsViews
