Welcome to the Kiwi Whānau!
Today we proudly celebrate the rich diversity of Aotearoa as we welcome new citizens from the United Kingdom, the Philippines, India, the United States of America, Portugal and Chile.
Becoming a New Zealander is more than a legal milestone; it’s a heartfelt commitment to the values we share: manaakitanga (hospitality), inclusiveness, and a strong sense of community. We’re thrilled to have you join our ever-growing whānau.
Surrounded by loved ones, each new citizen was officially welcomed and presented with their citizenship certificate and a kōwhai tree by Grey District Mayor Tania Gibson — a living symbol of growth, belonging, and fresh beginnings.
As you begin this exciting new chapter, we wish you a future in Aotearoa filled with meaningful relationships, rewarding opportunities, and the beauty of our land and culture.
Welcome to our newest citizens — today we celebrate unity, diversity, and new journeys together.
Seated: Lauren Evans, Mayor Tania Gibson, Rosalie Nipa
Back row: Manasa Thankam, Rithuvarna Vinoopkumar, Milva Ani Kuruvilla, Binumol Babu, Roshni Vithayathil. Francis Vithayathil, Macty Vithayathil, Fenia Zumelzu, Paul Pauldhas, Alvaro Garcia de Azevedo, Thea Cabrera, Andrew Kahl
