New chips off the old Kiwi block

Ten of New Zealand's newest citizens affirmed their allegiance at a citizenship ceremony on Thursday.

Among them were the owners of one of Masterton's top fish and chip shops - Weiquan Dai and Caiyan Zhang from Masterton's Mac's Fish and Chips, and their son, Jiarong Dai.

Mr Dai and Mrs Zhang have lived in New Zealand for about 11 years. Their son has lived here for about seven years and attends Wanganui Collegiate. "We're excited. I've also got a brother and a sister who are also New Zealand citizens since they were born here," Jiarong said.

At the ceremony held in Masterton's Frank Cody Lounge, Mayor Garry Daniell officially welcomed the new citizens.

"I'm sure in some cases you already consider yourself to be Kiwi," he said.

"We are pleased that you have taken this important step this afternoon.

"We're also pleased that you have decided to make Masterton and the Wairarapa your home."

The candidates, who were Dutch, Samoan, Chinese and British, were then invited to take the oath of allegiance or read their affirmation, after which they were presented with their citizenship certificates.

Tausulu Esera, from Samoa, said she and her family had moved from Samoa to Masterton in 2011.

"To get jobs and a better future for my family, and learn more skills and knowledge," Mrs Esera said.

She said they liked Masterton because it was "a peaceful place, not busy".

Another new citizen, Remco Jan de Ket, from Holland, has lived in New Zealand for the last 35 years and has spent almost eight years in Masterton.

Mr de Ket works as a nurse at Wairarapa District Health Board.

"Since I came here I've always felt that this is where I belong," he said.

After the ceremony, the families were invited to an afternoon tea and were presented with a kowhai tree to plant.