Thirty welcomed at citizenship ceremony in Rotorua

Anthony Halpin, from Britain, with Mayor Steve Chadwick, said he calls New Zealand his spiritual home. Photo/Ben Fraser

As soon as Anthony Halpin arrived in New Zealand, he felt a spiritual connection.

The British man was one of 30 welcomed as New Zealanders at a Rotorua citizenship ceremony.

"I say [New Zealand] is my spiritual home," he said.

Friends, family and colleagues joined the new citizens, from nine countries as diverse as Turkey and South Africa, at the Rotorua Lakes Council chamber this afternoon.

Mayor Steve Chadwick led the ceremony, with help from cultural ambassador Trevor Maxwell.

"It's appropriate to be hosting this ceremony at Matariki ... new stars, new roots. Enjoy today, reflect on today," Mrs Chadwick said.

"You can see how profound taking New Zealand citizenship is ... you can never remove your country of birth from your heart and head."

Image 1 of 9: Citizenship Ceremony. Puapua Eseese and Fuiono Eseese.

Heejung Han, from Korea, received citizenship alongside his family.

"We've been here eight years and have decided to make citizenship. Thank you to the New Zealand Government."

British mother and daughter Kelly Gail Mitchell and Jade Kelly Mitchell moved to Rotorua nine years ago, and Miss Mitchell spoke of the outdoor challenges the pair had done together.

"Thank you to Rotorua and hopefully we do many more adventures together."

Calling it an honour and a great opportunity, Filipino Elsie Faelden Ordeniza said becoming a citizen "was a great day" for herself and her family.

"We came here in 2009 ... after eight years we become citizens."

Born in Manila, Lorifran De La Torre Paragas said she had been accepted by New Zealanders for the past 12 years.

"I wasn't planning to stay but Rotorua was such a beautiful places. We have the lakes, and Redwoods which is my favourite."

Hyesu Yang, from Korea, said she graduated John Paul College in 2004, and attended the University of Auckland.

"Thank you for granting me citizenship. I promise to uphold the values of a true Kiwi."

New citizens received a plant and a book titled Choice.

"The idea [of the plant] is for you to put roots down, plant somewhere special to you and your family to go and watch that plant growing," Mrs Chadwick said.

Rotorua Lakes councillor Rob Kent's partner, Australian Vicki Elizabeth McLean, became a citizen.

There were so many councillors in attendance mayor Steve Chadwick said they "could call for a meeting and make some important decisions".

Fuiono Eseese, from Samoa, said a big thank you to the Government of New Zealand.

"It's an honour to be a citizen of New Zealand."

Those gathered were entertained by songs from students from Kawaha Point School, and watched a welcome video message from Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy and
Minister of Internal Affairs Peter Dunne.

Nine British, two Samoan, four Korean, five Fijians, one Australian, five Filipinos, two Indians, one Turk and one South African became New Zealand citizens.