South Wairarapa District Council Mayor Fran Wilde and Chief Executive Janice Smith welcomed 21 new citizens from India, South Africa, Mexico, New Zealand and the United Kingdom to the district at a formal ceremony this week.

The event opened with a mihi whakatau led by Matua Gillies Baker, Kaiwhakarite o Papawai Marae and Chair of the Council’s Māori Partnership Committee.

Mayor (Koromatua) Fran Wilde welcomed the new citizens to the district.

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

“New Zealand is now a highly diverse country in terms of ethnicity. Perhaps it’s not so obvious in our small community but certainly in my life time this country has changed radically and for the better. You are part of that trend.”

Council Chief Executive Janice Smith then invited the new citizens to receive their certificates of citizenship and read oaths or affirmations.

Kōwhai trees symbolise planting roots in Aotearoa

Every new citizen was given a young kōwhai tree to symbolise them planting roots of their own in Aotearoa New Zealand.

“May your plants grow and flourish, just as you have all put down your roots here,” said Mayor Wilde.

The kōwhais were grown at Pae Tu Mokai O Tauira He Kōtare Native Plant Nursery in Featherston and wrapped in environmentally friendly material, including flax.

Conclusion of ceremony with welcome and song

Governor-General, the Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro, gave a welcome message via video, followed by Mayor Wilde inviting everyone to sing the New Zealand National Anthem, God Defend New Zealand (Ka whakakapi, ā, ka tono ki ā tātou katoa ki te waiata i te waiata o Aotearoa – E Ihowā Atua).

Paramanawa (refreshments) were served at the conclusion of the ceremony.

The event was held at Martinborough Town Hall (Waihinga Centre) on Wednesday 24 June.

The new citizens live in Featherston and Martinborough, including four families who received their new citizenships together.