Ninety-nine new Kiwis were celebrated at a Waipā citizenship ceremony on Friday in Te Awamutu, proudly supported by family and friends and officially welcomed by Waipā Mayor Mike Pettit.
To commemorate the occasion, each family was given a pikopiko fern, symbolising unity, strength and the journey they have been on so far and will continue in Aotearoa.
Waipā Mayor Mike Pettit acknowledged the importance of this milestone. “You’re already part of our Waipā whānau and this marks the next step in choosing to share its future.”
“You all bring your skills, your experiences, and your cultures, and you help make our towns, schools, workplaces, and neighbourhoods better places to live. It’s the people who make it a home,” added Pettit.
The new citizens represent 27 different countries from all over the world, including the Philippines, Brazil, Germany, Malawi, Saudi Arabia, Fiji, the Czech Republic, China and Italy.
The Hattingh family, originally from South Africa, was thrilled to officially become citizens. “We’ve been in New Zealand for 10 years now, five of those in Waipā, and we’ve never looked back,” said Adél Hattingh. “We love it, it’s a safe place to raise our family.”
Richard Price said he and his wife have loved living here for the past eight years, after what started as a three-month holiday from the United Kingdom. “The people are friendly, welcoming, and it’s a pleasure to officially become a Kiwi.”
Rukuhia resident Gina Clinton said it’s been quite a journey. Originally from South Africa and having lived and worked in many countries, she is proud to settle down and call Waipā home.
Waipā District Council will host four citizenship ceremonies next year across Cambridge and Te Awamutu. Dates are yet to be confirmed by the Department of Internal Affairs.
