Fifteen Central Otago residents were granted New Zealand citizenship in a special ceremony in Central Otago District Council (CODC) chambers in Alexandra yesterday (Friday June 30).

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

The new citizens came from Brazil, Fiji, France, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. 

Amongst the new citizens was Dewald de Beer, wife Yolandie and daughters Marzelle and Déandie. 

Marzelle, Déandie, Tim Cadogan, Dewald and Yolandie

Yolandie, who works at Tyreland, said it was a big day for the family and she did feel “a bit teary”.

Mother of two Jo-Anne McEwan, originally from South Africa, shared a story of being hijacked three times in ten months and her move to New Zealand leading to her having a “free and safe life”.

She said she felt privileged to call New Zealand home. 

Greg McEwan, Braxton Ede (11), Jo-Anne McEwan, Cayden Ede (13)

Jo-Anne, who works at Cook Howlison, said she had returned to South Africa twice, but together with her boys she was very much looking forward to her mum (and their grandmother) visiting soon for a six month stay. 

The citizens were treated to a waiata (song) performance by the Alexandra Primary School (APS) sing squad.

Students from APS sang at the citizenship ceremony

Central Otago District mayor Tim Cadogan said the citizenship ceremony was “hands down” his favourite part of being mayor.

“Friends are the family you choose… and you’ve chosen our country to be yours.”

The new citizens were invited to share a snippet of how they have come to live in this district and Tim read these out. 

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

PHOTOS: The Central App