Whanganui has 18 new citizens after a welcoming ceremony at the Whanganui District Council chambers on June 9.
The citizens, representing eight different nationalities, were welcomed by Deputy Mayor Hamish McDouall and council chief executive Kym Fell.
The ceremony wasn't without drama as one of the new citizens, a surgeon, raced in from the operating theatre to take part in the proceedings.
Mr McDouall said he was delighted to meet the new citizens, who "each will add a different dimension to our district".
"Recently the South African-born Precious McKenzie, who represented New Zealand in weightlifting, has joked that he is more Kiwi than people born here, because he chose New Zealand while we are here by accident of birth."