Mayor puts new citizens at ease

Mohammed Khan, Cheyenne Oosthuizen, Vivian Smith, Tararua District Mayor Roly Ellis, Abdul and Nausad Aslam and Carol Hopkins, at their citizenship ceremony in Dannevirke last week. Photo / Christine McKay

Although six new Tararua citizens took the oath of allegiance to New Zealand last week, they are not expected to cut themselves off from their native countries, Mayor Roly Ellis said.

"This is a very significant event, but we want to reassure you it's also a relaxed and easy procedure," Mr Ellis said at the citizenship ceremony in Dannevirke last week. "I'm sure you haven't made this decision without a lot of serious thought and now we want to accept you into our communities and make you feel at home. No one expects you to cut yourself off from your native countries, but by taking part in sporting and cultural activities here in New Zealand we trust you'll find happiness in your new home.

"This may be a small country but it's got a hell of a big heart."

Vivian Smith came to New Zealand from the Philippines 20 years ago and has lived in Pahiatua since 2000.

"In 1990, I came for a visit and met my future husband Graeme," she said. "New Zealand has been good to me but it was an eye-opener at first. I think we moved to the right place [Pahiatua] because it's got a lot of very friendly people."

Abdul Aslam came to Dannevirke 10 years ago from Fiji to work in the freezing works.

"This wasn't what I expected, it's so different from my country, but having citizenship is amazing," he said.

His wife Nausad Aslam has been here for eight years.

"I'm very happy to be a citizen now. I have no worries, except the weather, which is very cold," she said. "I have friends here and our three children are happy."

Mr Ellis told the new citizens it was 21 years since he had landed in New Zealand for the second time and he thoroughly enjoyed living here.