38 new citizens for South Waikato

The South Waikato District is well known for its multi-culturalism and this was certainly evident at the recent at the Council's largest ever Citizenship Ceremony held this morning at the South Waikato Sport and Events Centre.

"Thirty eight people were sworn in as New Zealand citizens and this number is more than we've ever had before in the 18 years that I have been on Council," said Mayor Jenny Shattock, who is Council's new Mayor following the October elections.

Mayor Shattock made mention of the fact that this citizenship was her first time officiating at a Citizenship ceremony and it was the first to be held in the Event Centre so there were many firsts to remember about the day for everyone! "Our new citizens hail from ten different countries - Egypt, Philipines, Brazil, Fiji, Britain, South Africa, Samoa, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and China it is no wonder we get to celebrate a diversity of cultures in the South Waikato!"

Mayor Shattock commented that welcoming our new citizens into the South Waikato, a place that they have chosen to make their home - is an honour.

The Honourable Louise Upston was also present and in her address she aligned taking the oath or affirmation to making marriage vows. "Taking the oath of allegiance is a formal, public and solemn announcement of your commitment and dedication to New Zealand."

Both Mayor Shattock and the Honourable Mrs Upston encouraged our new citizens to share their own culture with us and embrace our culture for themselves.