Timaru’s 24 new New Zealand citizens
Twenty-four new Timaruvians became New Zealand citizens this week.
New Zealand’s newest citizens hailed from countries such as Australia, Pakistan, Britain, South Africa, Fiji and Samoa.
The citizenship ceremony welcomed Ronald Addidle, Janet Jennings, William Barnes, and the Holland family - Vanessa, William, and George - from Britain; Theo and Magdalene Joubert, along with their children Matthew and Marius, from South Africa; Abinesh and Melisha Kumar from Fiji; Rizwan Qadeer, Zaibunnisa Rizwan, and their children Almira, Farzan, and Affan Qadeer from Pakistan; Edward and Silia Uhrle and their children Gaius, Christian, and Filemoni from Samoa; and Graham McEwan and Bettina Mielenz from Australia.
Timaru District Mayor Damon Odey delivered a message in Maori, which translated to mean the most important thing to a country and the world is the people in it.
Odey said he was glad the new citizens had chosen Timaru as their home, calling the town the ‘‘centre of New Zealand and the universe’’.
Aoraki Migrant Centre support manager Rosie Knoppel said the ceremony gave new citizens a feeling of belonging and affirm that they are part of New Zealand.
In a video message, GovernorGeneral Dame Patsy Reddy said New Zealand was a ‘‘nation of immigrants’’ and ‘‘we wish you every success at this stage of your journey’’.
‘‘Our history becomes part of your history and your future becomes part of our future,’’ Dame Patsy said.
The video continued with a message from Internal Affairs Minister Tracey Martin.
‘‘New Zealand was your home, now it’s also your country,’’ Martin said.
Gleniti Primary students led the singing national anthem. School of the