Three dozen new Kiwis pledge allegiance in Gisborne

People from 14 countries took the Oath of Allegiance to officially become New Zealanders in a citizenship ceremony in Gisborne. Photo / Gisborne District Council

Thirty-six new New Zealanders took the Oath of Allegiance today () in a citizenship ceremony at the Gisborne District Council chambers.

The council’s “waiata team” provided a welcome to what Mayor Rehette Stoltz described as “a celebration of the diverse community that makes our region strong”.

Stoltz presented each participant with their citizenship certificate.

“Their skills, cultures, perspectives and dedication enrich our community in countless ways,” she said.

“They bring with them the gift of language and culture from distant whenua.

“Each carries unique ways of seeing and expressing the world, adding depth and richness to how we communicate and understand each other.”

The new Kiwis come from Jordan, Germany, South Africa, Tonga, the United States of America, France, Mexico, India, the United Kingdom, Uruguay, the Philippines, Latvia, Samoa and Argentina.