A total of 28 people from nine nationalities became citizens in a ceremony at Rotorua Lakes Council. PHOTO/FILE
A total of 28 people from nine nationalities became citizens in a ceremony at Rotorua Lakes Council. PHOTO/FILE
Twenty-eight people from around the world became New Zealand citizens at a special ceremony in the Rotorua Council Chambers on Tuesday. They shared why the day was important to them.
Pafuti Godinet-Tonuu from Samoa. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER
"I would like to say thank you to my God for making this a very special day. Thank you forwelcoming me and my daughter to your family, your culture and your language."
"I was reflecting on how life changes and you end up somewhere you never thought you'd be. I thought I would retire to the east coast of England but our children decided to emigrate over here. One day Sheila [my wife] said wouldn't it be nice if we were at least in the same country as the children. I arrived in 2009."
REV JOHN LIMRICK
British
Gavin Long, originally from South Africa. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER
"It has been a journey. We've been here six years and most of that in Rotorua. The welcoming we've received has been a blessing. We're part of the community and it's the most welcoming place we've ever been."
"I came in 2011 and I fell in love. I got married in Rotorua, I've got a daughter, I work at Skyline and love my job and I'm thankful I'm now a citizen."
