It was standing room only at Kaikohe’s Memorial Hall on Monday, as 118 people from around the globe became New Zealand citizens — in what’s being called the Far North’s biggest-ever citizenship ceremony.
Far North Mayor Moko Tepania, who led the event, said it nearly matched the entire annual total in one go. “Usually we welcome around 120 new citizens a year. We did that in one afternoon.”
The ceremony began with a karakia and waiata from the council’s Te Hono team, grounding the event in tikanga Māori and recognising the journeys of those present.
After swearing allegiance to King Charles III and Aotearoa New Zealand, recipients were presented with their citizenship certificates by Mayor Tepania, supported by Kōwhai Kelly Stratford and Councillor Ann Court Halkyard-Harawira.
The new Kiwis hailed from countries including France, the UK, South Africa, the Philippines, Germany, the USA, Fiji and Norway. Some had already called the Far North home for over two decades before officially becoming citizens.
A message from Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro and a stirring rendition of the national anthem wrapped up the landmark event.
The Paper 