Illness doesn't stop new Kiwi

Rotorua's Kearwan Satringkoe (front) receives her New Zealand citizenship at a Rotorua Citizenship Ceremony yesterday, with some friends and husband Tim Stringer.

It has not been an easy road for Rotorua's Kearwan Satringkoe who is now an official Kiwi.

Although you may have thought otherwise when she took the stage sporting a big smile and thanking everyone for their support during the Rotorua Citizenship Ceremony yesterday at the Rotorua District Council.

But the Thailand-born Kiwi has battled serious illness during her time living in Rotorua.

Her friends and husband said she pulled together a lot of strength and courage to attend the ceremony yesterday.

"I nearly cried, I am very happy," she said. "My friends, husband and [English] teacher are here to support me."

Described as a fighter by her friends, Mrs Satringkoe moved to Rotorua with her Kiwi husband Tim Stringer about eight years ago.

Mrs Satringkoe admitted she simply loved living in Rotorua and was very happy to be a New Zealand citizen.

Mr Stringer said he was very proud of his wife, who was fighting cancer.

The ceremony was Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick's first citizenship ceremony.

Mrs Chadwick said she was amazed by the stories of some of the new citizens, including those who overcame illness to attend.

"It shows you the strength in our community, someone is sick and someone is having a baby," she said.

Mrs Chadwick was sworn in as a justice of the peace on Monday to make her eligible to hold the ceremony.

A number of judges from the court were present to watch her being sworn in on Monday, showing their support for the new Rotorua Mayor.

Nineteen people became New Zealand citizens at the ceremony yesterday.

Five hailed from Great Britain, the highest number of citizens from one nation.