Citizenship Ceremony – 6 October 2026

Published on 07 October 2026

The sixth Citizenship Ceremony of the new triennium took place at Ōamaru Opera House on Tuesday afternoon.

Mayor Mel Tavendale was joined by Councillors Schlack, Lewis, Holding and McCone to present citizenship certificates to twenty brand new New Zealanders from ten different countries.

After a waiata by the Waitaki Singers, the Mayor welcomed the attendees and their family and friends. Affirmations and oaths of citizenship were sworn by each family, and they were presented with a native hebe plant.

Former Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke Van Velden and the NZ Governor-General, Her Excellency the Right Hon Cindy Kiro then appeared in a welcome video to the new citizens.

The Waitaki Singers then led all present in a rendition of the National Anthem, before group photos were taken on the staircase of the Ōamaru Opera House.

Waitaki District Mayor Mel Tavendale said, “It’s a privilege to host citizenship ceremonies and welcome those who’ve made the decision to make New Zealand their home. Our District is a better place for the lives they build here and the diversity they bring to our communities.”

The new citizens are Fathima Shifa, Asanka Gamlathge (Sri Lanka), Emre Gamlathge, Arley Gamlathge (NZ Minor), Neeltje de Ridder, Rudolf de Ridder (Netherlands), Elizabeth Walton, Jason Walton (United Kingdom), Olivia Walton, Naiomi Walton (NZ Minors), Liliu Kauapa, Jack Kauapa (Nauru), Andrew Young (South Africa), Stephanus Swart (South Africa), Sanet Swart (Rhodesia), Kristina Jardine (Scotland), Paula Laureano (Uruguay), Ma Cecilia Liwanag Broughton (Philippines), Kristen Jardine (Scotland), Janice Rimell (England)

ENDS

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