No snakes but plenty of charm for new citizens

Carterton welcomed five new Kiwis at their citizenship ceremony on Wednesday.

The ceremony held at the Carterton Events Centre began with a karakia by Reverend Mihi Namana and the candidates were then welcomed by Carterton Deputy Mayor Elaine Brazendale.

"Welcome to New Zealand, welcome to Wairarapa, welcome to Carterton.

"It's with great pleasure, on behalf of the Carterton District Council, we welcome the candidates and all your supporters to this ceremony today. This is an opportunity for us to join together and share our cultures," Mrs Brazendale said.

The candidates were then called up to read their oath or make an affirmation of allegiance after which they were presented with a citizenship certificate and a commemorative native plant, a ti kouka, by Councillor John Booth.

Mrs Brazendale then read a letter of congratulations from Minister of Internal Affairs Chris Tremain.

"Congratulations on becoming a New Zealand citizen today. You have completed your journey towards making our beautiful country your home.

"Before today, New Zealand was your home - now it is also your country. New Zealand's future and your future are now woven together," she read. The ceremony ended with a closing karakia and the new citizens were invited to lunch.

Jannine Atkinson, from the United Kingdom, has lived in New Zealand for 10 years.

"It's a long time now, [I] just thought it was about time, all the children are [citizens]," Mrs Atkinson said.

Mrs Atkinson said she was happy to be living in Carterton.

"The community is great, lots of young families, so it fits in well with us. I don't think we'll move back to the UK."

Ubonsri Peacock from Thailand said she liked living in New Zealand as "it's got no snakes".

The other candidates were Simon Dixie from Australia, Christopher Kirkham from England, and Valma Iro from the Solomon Islands.