"Don't say we rush these things," she said, adding that she adored New Zealand "with a passion."
Lesley Grace Jones had sold up in London in 1988 and travelled, but as soon as she arrived in New Zealand she knew that that was where she wanted to settle.
Herbert Karl and Doris Willms had been resident for 23 years, Mr Willms saying he was giving back to his community by instructing Kerikeri children in judo.
Those who took the oath or affirmation were:
Eleanor Mary Barker (British, now living in Paihia).
Kenneth Lawrence Bolton (Australian/South African, Paihia).
Michael Anthony Bristow (South African, Maunu).
Anton, Debra and Kerry-Anne Cloete (South African, Kaitaia).
Hunter Elizabeth Colangelo (American, Kerikeri).
Amelia and Aimee de Beer (South African, Whangārei).
Vander Carlos Dos Santos, Selma and Brenda Silva Dos Santos (Brazilian, Kaitaia).
Bruce Ewens (British, Rawene).
Cecil Oliver and Mary Jane Hutchinson (Barbadian, Karikari Peninsula).
Lesley Grace Jones (British, Paihia).
Fiona Anne McLean Manderson (British, Whangārei).
Robyn Jean Natrass (British, Ahipara).
Tumaui Francis Samg Mouit (French, Paihia).
Dale Steele (South African, Kerikeri).
Elizabet Louisa Verbist (Belgian, Ōpua).
Herbert Karl and Doris Willms (German, Russell).