Citizenship ceremony brings smiles and happiness

Joon Lee (Korea) and Steve Chadwick. Photo/Ben Fraser

Joon Young Lee felt like he had come full circle at the Rotorua citizenship ceremony.

After giving his affirmation Mr Lee, from Korea, said it was a "funny and happy" coincidence that Selwyn School - whose kapa haka group performed at the ceremony - was where he had started his New Zealand journey 18 years ago.

"It's a special moment. I'd like to thank my aunt and cousins for their support."

Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick congratulated the 26 new citizens on their decision to become New Zealanders at the ceremony today. "You are becoming a part of the community who has taken the momentous decision to become the first bilingual city in New Zealand."

There were smiles as most of the new citizens chose to tell their story, and laughter as babies who joined their parents up front decided grabbing the microphone was more fun than listening.

Anupreet Kaur from India (left), with Gurshaan Bhandal, 1, and Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick. Photo/Ben Fraser

New citizens received a shrub and a book titled Choice.

Mrs Chadwick said to plant the shrub anywhere, "just don't tell the council".

"We want you to put your roots down in the soil in Rotorua."

Image 1 of 18: Roy Austria ( Filipino) Photo/Ben Fraser

Susanna Botha, and her children Talitha Botha and Mikael Botha, from South Africa, took part.

Her husband, and another son, were unable to join them due to work and university and would take part in citizenship ceremonies in Dunedin and Whangarei respectively.

Mrs Botha, who is a teacher at John Paul College, said they moved to Rotorua six years ago for safety reasons and for the children.

"We are so thankful to be here."

Mi Sook Shin (left), with mayor Steve Chadwick, said she had been in New Zealand 24 years. Photo/Ben Fraser

Bhavna Smith came to New Zealand from India 14 years ago when her parents decided to move here.

"I'd like to thank my parents and husband. Because of my parents I get to call this absolutely beautiful country my home."

She congratulated the other new citizens.

"It's quite an achievement to be here today."

Abigail Thresia Santhosh spoke on behalf of her parents, Santhosh Kalathilparambil Augusthin and Minu Santhosh. The three, from India, and her younger sister who was born in New Zealand, wore traditional dress.

"[New Zealand] has a respectable culture, clean air, peaceful and tolerant authorities ... we have had nine years blessed to be here."

Fijian Malakai Naibuka Waqanimaravu said it had been a long journey to get his New Zealand citizenship.

With a background in hospitality and tourism, he works at the Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel in Kawaha Point.

"I'm proud to be part of showcasing Rotorua to the world."

As new citizens, Mrs Chadwick encouraged them to "exercise their right" and vote in the September election.

Fijian Naibuka Malakai (left) with mayor Steve Chadwick, thanked his family. Photo/Ben Fraser

All told, six Filipinos, one British, four South Africans, 10 Indians, two Koreans, one Taiwanese and two Fijians became New Zealand citizens.