On behalf of Aotearoa New Zealand, Whakatāne District Council welcomed 25 new citizens this week ready to call our country home.

Whakatāne Mayor Dr Victor Luca said it was a privilege to formally present each person with their New Zealand citizenship.

“As someone who has travelled around the world, I truly know there is no place like home and it is wonderful these 25 people have chosen our beautiful District to be their home,” he said.  

“It is my sincere wish that they continue to find happiness here.”

Our new citizens hail from countries like Argentina, India, United States of America, Canada, Brazil, Kenya, and the United Kingdom.

Students from Whakatāne High School kapa haka roopu performed and the new citizens were gifted a silver fern pin and native plant before telling stories of their journey to Whakatāne.