Twenty new citizens from Belgium, Fiji, Germany, India, Samoa, Singapore and the United Kingdom are Central Otago’s newest Kiwis after a citizenship ceremony in Alexandra yesterday.

Central Otago district mayor Tamah Alley led her second citizenship ceremony in less than a week after a large number of people applied for citizenship and there were too many to accommodate in one ceremony.

Alexandra Primary School pupils perform the national anthem at the conclusion of the ceremony. VIDEO: The Central App

The recipients brought with them a variety of professional backgrounds including hair dressing, electrical engineering, nursing, hospitality, armed forces service, design, climate change science and more.

Ruth Smith spent 10 years as a hairdresser in Germany before she went travelling.

She arrived in Auckland in October 2013 and a chance meeting on Christmas Day while working at a hostel in Wellington the same year led her to Kiwi husband Matt.

After spending a year in Sydney together from May 2015, they returned to New Zealand and built a house and had two daughters.

Cecilia, Ruth, Ella and Matt Smith with the New Zealand flag. 

Thomas Willem, born in Germany, first came to New Zealand in 1989. He found Queenstown in the late 80s welcoming and “like coming home.”

Despite living in Germany, Switzerland and Saudi Arabia the “untouched beauty” and “memory was quietly calling [him] back.”

“There is comfort in the landscape, the people and the rhythm of daily life.”

The freedom to hike or swim at a moment's notice was a highlight, Thomas said.

“Alexandra is my home and it still holds the same magic and sense of belonging I felt all those years ago.”

Thomas Willem. 

He was able to hold dual citizenship and keep his German passport but that had taken some time to work through legal documentation with his homeland.

After living for thirty years in New Zealand nothing really felt any different but it was good to have the citizenship process completed, he said.

The Raju family, originally from Fiji, dressed up for the occasion, all matching in shades of navy. They were looking forward to spending the afternoon together after formalities.

Mum Jocelyn and her daughters Shyna and Saanvi, who attend Cromwell Primary and Cromwell College respectively, were excited about Christmas and upcoming Diwali celebrations. 

Jocelyn, Shyna (front) and Saanvi Raju (on right). Behind them are Lisbeth and Wilifred Risteyn who operate the Be Waffle food truck around Central.  

Jocelyn said her family had strived for the best and New Zealand meant a lot to them.

“We’re proud to be here… and after eight years it’s good. [But] one day I’d like to take the girls to Fiji so they can see what Diwali is really like.”

Read more: Haere mai to new citizens

PHOTOS/VIDEO: The Central App

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