New citizens bring richness of cultures to NZ, region
The long wait for New Zealand citizenship was worth it for many of the latest group of New Zealand citizens in Manawatū .
The Palmerston North City Council held a ceremony at the Conference and Function Centre yesterday, welcoming the new citizens to the city.
More than 70 people, either individuals or family groups, born in 25 different countries crossed the stage to gain their citizenship.
Their countries of birth included South Africa, India, Nepal, Papua New Guinea and Kazakhstan.
Colombian family Ana-maria Soto Calero, Juan Carlos Garcia Ramirez and their son Tane Garcia-soto, 10, all gained citizenship.
Tane had been born in New Zealand, but had kept his parents’ nationality.
‘‘Now I can play football for New Zealand,’’ he said.
The family have been in New Zealand for 15 years, initially coming to learn English.
‘‘We had study visas, work visas and the immigration laws have changed at different times,’’ said Juan Carlos, who did his PHD in New Zealand.
Ana-maria said they had never given up at the hope of gaining citizenship and it was a good example of perseverance for Tane, who wants to one day become a professional footballer.
‘‘Good things take time,’’ she said. Gil Joseph David Vasquez from the Philippines was another to get citizenship. Also in attendance was his wife, Flor Charina Vasquez, and their children, Gio, 1, and Avi, 8, who already have citizenship.
Gil and Flor have been in New Zealand for eight years but have been through multiple visas too and were both excited about Gil finally receiving his citizenship.
Palmerston North mayor Grant Smith welcomed the new citizens and said the richness of their cultures, traditions and heritage brought value to New Zealand.
‘‘There are 25 different nationalities adding to the diversity of Palmerston North and the region; 150 nationalities call Palmerston North home and you’ve added to that.’’