Rotorua 'felt like home from the start'

Marcello Ojerio was excited at becoming a New Zealand citizen in his adopted home. He is pictured with Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick. Photo / Stephen Parker

The moment Marcello Ojerio arrived in Rotorua, the American of Filipino descent felt like he was home.

That was 2007 and yesterday he celebrated officially becoming a New Zealand citizen. Mr Ojerio was one of 20 candidates for citizenship at the Rotorua Lakes Council chambers.

"I felt that Rotorua adopted me probably in the first week," he said. "I went [mountain bike] riding and everyone was so friendly. Even though they could tell I was from somewhere else, every single person said I was going to move here.

"I felt Rotorua wanted me here and I didn't get that feeling in other places I'd gone riding."

Mr Ojerio quickly met his wife Heidie in Rotorua; originally from the Netherlands, she became a citizen two years ago. His father was Filipino and grew up in Hawaii. New Zealand felt more like home to Mr Ojerio than the United States, he said.

"Coming to Rotorua reminded me of Hawaii, a place where I'd always felt at home. The ceremony was very humbling to hear stories or people choosing to make a better life for their families. I feel complete."

Surgeon Gary Back, from the Netherlands, said he and his wife came in search of a better work life balance with a plan to spend two years in New Zealand. Eight years later they remain and now have two children.

"It's wonderful to be one of you now," he said.

-See more photos from the ceremony in this Saturday's Snapped section. Also see rotoruadailypost.co.nz for video.