Nineteen Central Otago residents were granted New Zealand citizenship in a special ceremony in Central Otago District Council (CODC) chambers in Alexandra yesterday.

Along with the official paperwork, the new citizens were presented with a native kōwhai seedling, propagated from a 400-year-old kōwhai tree on Bannockburn’s Te Kano Estate.

The new citizens came from Australia, the Philippines, South Africa, Scotland, Australia, Russia, England and Brazil. 

Amongst the new citizens was Central Otago District Council’s (CODC) governance support officer Sarah Reynolds.

She took the oath in Te Reo Māori, and her family all attended to support her.

Pictured are (back row) Marc Hatfield, Sarah Reynolds, CODC Mayor Tim Cadogan, and (front row) children Arthur (9), Freya (5) and Marnie (8). PHOTO: The Central App 

Sarah grew up on a farm in Kent, England and moved to New Zealand in 2010 to manage a restaurant in North Otago. 

Jacques Odendaal and son Juan moved here after safety problems caused them to leave South Africa.

“We had two break-ins on our farm, and my wife and I were hijacked,” Jacques said. 

“It was love at first sight when we came to New Zealand.”

Jacques said when he had to get up and take the oath of allegiance to King Charles it was a big moment.

“When I was speaking it was like there was a huge rock in my chest.”

Originally from Dublin, Queensberry resident, mountain guide, climber and photographer Gavin Lang spoke about his deep connection with the whenua (land).

Gavin has published a book ‘Seeking the Light’ about climbing 24 of New Zealand's highest mountains. 

Mayor Tim said gaining citizenship was a big step, a symbolic cutting of ties, deserving recognition. 

“As New Zealanders we may have all come on different ships, but we’re all in the same boat now, or as I say we’re all in the same waka now.”

The new citizens were invited to share how they came to live in Central and Tim read those out. 

Many new residents said they wanted to confirm their commitment to Aotearoa and belonging to whānau and that citizenship was a way to do that.

Senior students from Alexandra’s The Terrace School performed the national anthem of New Zealand at the conclusion of the ceremony. 

New citizens are (back row, from left) Julio Barbonio, Emma Thomas, Adrianne Barbonio, Errie Enomoto, Gavin Lang, Juan Odendaal, Jacques Odendaal, Mayor Tim, Elena Nevzorova (obscured), Susan Fenwick, Edward Bilverstone, Wentzel and Maritza Bresler and front row Sarah Reynolds, Paloma Vaz Da Silveira, Sarah Manlangit, siblings Henry and Mia Bresler, Allison Bilverstone and Ano Kalwat. PHOTO: The Central App