Newest citizens celebrated
Twenty-four citizens from seven countries were welcomed to Marlborough on 1 March.
Countries represented were the Philippines, Wales, UK, India, Thailand, Brazil and China.
A highlight of March’s citizenship ceremony was the Welsh candidate wearing his Wales rugby jersey to honour his roots. With 1 March being St David’s Day, the patron saint of Wales, it was thoroughly appropriate.
Mayor Taylor told the group they would all now enjoy the rights and freedoms of native-born New Zealanders.
“Your decision to apply for citizenship was no doubt made after very careful consideration and is a commitment to your future,” she said. “It is not a rejection of your past but in future your first loyalty will be to New Zealand.”
Caption: Mayor Nadine Taylor with Marlborough’s newest citizens