South Wairarapa District Council is delighted to welcome 27 new citizens to the district from 10 different countries, gifting each person a kōwhai seedling to symbolise their decision to plant new roots of their own in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The new citizens were welcomed to the district at a ceremony held in the Martinborough Town Hall (Waihinga Centre) on Wednesday, 11 February, which opened with a mihi whakatau led by Matua Gillies Baker, Kaiwhakarite o Papawai Marae.

Matua Baker acknowledged mana whenua to set a tone of connection and belonging at the start of the ceremony.

Mayor (Koromatua) Dame Fran Wilde then delivered an official introduction, later offering personal congratulations to each new citizen.

During the official ceremony, Council Chief Executive (Tumu Whakarae) Janice Smith invited each new citizen to come forward so that Mayor Wilde (Koromatua) could invite each one to read their oath or affirmation. Of the 27 new citizens, 10 delivered oaths, 17 affirmed and three chose to speak in te reo Māori.

The new citizens were also greeted with welcome messages via video from Governor-General, the Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro, and the Minister of Internal Affairs, Brooke van Velden, who acknowledged New Zealand as a place they could now call their country.

The new citizens represented a diverse range of countries, including England, the United Kingdom and Wales, Germany, Hong Kong, India, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Samoa, Scotland, South Africa, Thailand and the United States. They now call all three South Wairarapa towns – Featherston, Greytown and Martinborough – home.

Kōwhai trees are a living symbol of belonging

To mark this significant milestone, each new citizen received a kōwhai tree, cultivated locally at Pae Tu Mokai O Tauira He Kōtare Native Plant Nursery in Featherston. The plants were wrapped in ecofriendly materials and tied with flax. ‑friendly materials and tied with flax.

Song and celebration

The ceremony concluded with Mayor Wilde inviting everyone present to sing the New Zealand National Anthem, God Defend New Zealand (E Ihowā Atua), followed by paramanawa (refreshments) for all attendees. The event was a warm, inclusive and meaningful celebration of citizenship, community and connection to South Wairarapa.

ENDS 

Media contact: media@swdc.govt.nz