"We have made a lot of New Zealand friends who are not just friends - they are like part of our family," he says.
"It's a beautiful and fantastic country and there are so many good people in the community."
Kafele Ababa
Royal New Zealand Navy Seaman Kafele Ababa is the first person in his family to become a citizen.
Born and raised in England, the 19-year-old, his parents and sister moved into their Mission Bay home eight years ago.
"We came here on a holiday and fell in love with the country," he says.
"The main thing we've noticed over the years is, for starters, the weather is so much nicer and the people are a lot friendlier. Everyone is so friendly."
Ababa says his citizenship was needed for his job in the navy.
Alena Katkove
New Zealand was a mystery to Alena Katkove seven years ago.
The 30-year-old moved to Auckland from the Siberian city of Tyumen after qualifying as an English language teacher.
"New Zealand was my choice and I'm happy I made it."
She knew little about the country and was concerned her Muslim faith could make her a target. She needn't have worried.
"It's a very good country in nearly every aspect. The Government is not too bad if you compare it to other countries and people are very kind, welcoming and accepting."
Hatina Chitiyo
Hatina Chitiyo had never swum in the ocean before she moved to New Zealand from Zimbabwe in 2007. Soon after arriving, she headed out to Piha and was smashed about by the wild West Coast waves. "That was a bit freaky. I was knocked over a few times."
Now, the 32-year-old beauty therapist likes nothing more than discovering new beaches or heading to Rangitoto Island for a swim and a hike. Chitiyo loves the "the warm welcoming nature" of Kiwis. "People say hello to you in the street. That's really nice."
She now plans to pursue her dream of becoming a physiotherapist.
Anna Wang
Anna Wang has become a New Zealand citizen because she wants an even stronger connection to the country she loves.
The 23-year-old came to New Zealand from China as a child 13 years ago and hasn't looked back. She is studying for a Bachelor of Commerce at Auckland University, works part-time and is ecstatic to be a new Kiwi.
"I decided to become a citizen because I love this country for its beauty, for the friendly people and peacefulness."
Uzair Fawaz Minhas
Uzair Fawaz Minhas moved to "paradise" eight months ago and doesn't want to leave.
From Pakistan, the 16-year-old Mt Albert Grammar student moved here with his mother and brother. His father has lived here since 2001.
"I was very scared in Pakistan, but in New Zealand it's like paradise," he says. "I would like to be a doctor and getting my citizenship is helping me get one step closer."
Kalyani Ravula
Kalyani Ravula gained citizenship after two stints living in New Zealand.
The 48-year-old housewife from Epsom, Auckland, settled in Masterton in 1999 with husband Pramod and daughter Rithika.
Following a cancer scare, she returned to bustling Hyderabad, India, three years later. The family came back to New Zealand in 2010.
"In total, it took me about 15 years to get my citizenship but it was worth it," she says. "When I went back to India I knew I would return to New Zealand some day.
"I love the beauty of the place and we wanted our daughter to be educated here. Rithika is 19 and doing a degree in computers at Unitec. It has been a great move for my family."
Graham Morton
Anaesthetist Dr Graham Morton is knocked out by life in New Zealand.
He arrived 11 years ago from Britain with his wife and young daughter. The 47-year-old works for Counties Manukau District Health Board and lives in Glendowie, Auckland.
Morton and his elder daughter Abigail, 14, were proud to gain citizenship on Monday. His younger daughter was born here.
"We came to New Zealand for an outdoors, family-oriented lifestyle. The kids love it and I feel very akin with the place too. I would be happy to grow old here."
Stuart Hawes
Stuart Hawes grew up just down the road from the Tower of London, so deciding on suitable garb for his Kiwi citizenship ceremony was a no-brainer.
Hawes only planned to stay for six months when he came to New Zealand on a gap year in the mid-90s. But the 45-year-old started a mortgage broker business and found a close network of friends and an agreeably laidback lifestyle.
He misses family and friends - and Chelsea Football Club - and laments the 28-hour flight it takes for him "to pop home and see my mum for Sunday roast".
