Tuesday 11 March was a special day for 26 people from our district who received their citizenship certificates from Mayor Craig Rowley in a ceremony at the Waimate Event Centre. Twelve countries were represented: Columbia, England, Fiji, Netherlands, Palestine, Philippines, Russia, Syria, Turkey, Uruguay, USA and Wales.
The Mayor spoke about the significance of citizenship and his delight at the diversity within the community. Then the process of each person reciting the Oath of Citizenship and receiving their certificate took place.
Many recipients spoke of their happiness to be part of our district. Christopher Madder from England said receiving his certificate was “the icing on the cake”. Majed Mohamed, who received his citizenship along with four members of his family, explained they had escaped the war in his home country of Syria.He thanked New Zealand, saying his children could now have a bright future.
To welcome the new citizens, students from Glenavy School performed two waiata before leading everyone in the National Anthem. To complete the ceremony, a presentation by the Department of Internal Affairs was played, featuring addresses by the Governor-General and the Minister of Internal Affairs. Refreshments were served for a relaxed mix and mingle, and the assembly moved outside into the sunshine for photographs.
