Media release
8 October 2026

Eight people from five countries were officially welcomed as new citizens this week at a special citizenship ceremony in South Wairarapa, marking an important milestone in their journey to call Aotearoa New Zealand home.

Above: Mayor Fran Wilde (pictured centre) warmly welcomed eight new citizens at a formal ceremony in Martinborough on Wednesday 7 October; six are new citizens to South Wairarapa, one to Carterton and one to Masterton districts.

Mayor (Koromatua) Fran Wilde and Chief Executive (Tumu Whakarae) Janice Smith joined family, friends and community representatives to celebrate the occasion at Martinborough Town Hall (the Waihinga Centre) on Wednesday 7 October.

The ceremony welcomed new citizens from Canada, Ireland, Samoa, South Africa and the United Kingdom, two of whom live in neighbouring Carterton and Masterton districts.

Proceedings opened with a mihi whakatau by Matua Gillies Baker, Kaiwhakarite o Papawai Marae and Chair of the Council’s Māori Partnership Committee, reflecting the significance of welcoming new citizens into the local community and wider New Zealand whānau.

Mayor (Koromatua) Dame Fran Wilde welcomed and thanked each new citizen.

“Your decision to come to Aotearoa and to live here in South Wairarapa is a gift to us. New citizens are our lifeblood. We are incredibly fortunate you have chosen us,” said Mayor Wilde.

“The actions of many people make this place work. New citizens, in particular, bring different and useful perspectives and experiences and make our community richer and more layered and interesting.”

Council Chief Executive Janice Smith invited each new citizen to come forward to receive their certificates of citizenship with Mayor Wilde inviting them to read oaths or affirmations. This was followed by a welcome message on video from the Minister of Internal Affairs and the Governor-General.

Mayor Wilde invited everyone to sing the national anthem, God Defend New Zealand at the conclusion of the ceremony, which was followed by refreshments (paramanawa).

Each new citizen was given a kōwhai tree grown at Pae Tu Mokai O Tauira He Kōtare Native Plant Nursery in Featherston to symbolise them planting roots in Aotearoa New Zealand.