Welcome to the Kiwi Whānau!
Every citizenship ceremony is a reminder that our community is made stronger by the people who choose to call the Grey District and Aotearoa home.
Today, we were delighted to welcome our newest New Zealand citizens from the Philippines, India, England, Taiwan, Germany, South Africa and the Russian Federation.
Each person has followed their own unique path to this special day, surrounded by family and friends as they officially became New Zealand citizens. During the ceremony, Grey District Mayor Tania Gibson presented each new citizen with their citizenship certificate and a kōwhai tree – a lasting symbol of growth, strength and putting down roots in a new home.
Citizenship is more than a ceremony. It represents a shared commitment to our communities, our values and the future we build together.
Congratulations to our newest citizens. We hope the years ahead are filled with friendship, opportunity and many happy memories as you continue your journey in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Nau mai, haere mai – welcome.
Front Row: Lizbeth Bernabe, Reuben Bernabe, Mayor Tania Gibson, Retchel Alfeche, Bessy Anish
Back row: Jo-Hua Chen, Robbie Bernabe, Daniela Gruenwald-Meek, Aleksandra Hand, Aedan Lehr, Ruzai Gama, Stephen Baker
