New citizens a snapshot of city
The largest citizenship ceremony in a long while was held in Heritage House on Thursday, November 29.
The ceremony was officiated by mayor Hamish McDouall and council chief executive Kym Fell who formally recognised 43 new citizens.
Kauma¯ tua John Maihi and Nga¯ wai Matthews welcomed guests with a karakia and waiata.
New citizens received a locally-crafted glass pendant and a copy of a booket called Choice — the New Zealand citizenship story from the Department of Internal Affairs which acknowledges the commitment new citizens make to New Zealand.
Mayor Hamish McDouall told the diverse group they were a snapshot of “what the Whanganui community looks like” and he said he knew several people in the group personally.
“This group comprises of heath care workers, young families, sisters from St Dominic’s College, police and many others who contribute to our community.
“People who have relatively recently made New Zealand their home are here this afternoon, as well as those who have been here for more than 30 years and are ready to formally become New Zealanders.
“This doesn’t mean you are leaving traditions of your birthplace behind, but contributing to your new community,” said Mayor McDouall.
In 2018, 135 people became New Zealand citizens at Whanganui District Council ceremonies. The total number of new citizens across New Zealand this year was 29,916.
The new citizens are: Ian James Bowns (British), Lynda Kathryn Foster (Fijian), Francis Ronal Foster, Meagan Kathryn Foster (Fijian), Jessica Suzanne Foster (Fijian), Mikaela Teresa Foster (Fijian), Dr Jean Hermann Frieslaar (South African), Yujin Koh (Korean), Ravnita Kumari (Fijian), Pajiv Caramba Lagahid (Filipino), Aylett May Pogay Lagahid (Filipino), Mayumi Lagahid (Filipino), Mualeoa Revival Leo (Samoan), Monisha Libin (Indian), Kalesi Durua Malanicagi (Fijian), Sr Katherine Mallory Martin.
■ For information about NZ citizenship please visit www.govt.nz/citizenship