Waitaki welcomes new citizens

Published on 22 August 2025

Thirty-two new citizens welcomed at citizenship ceremonies at Oamaru Opera House.

Waitaki welcomed 26 new citizens at a ceremony held at the Oamaru Opera House this week and also welcomed 6 new citizens at an additional ceremony held last month.

The new citizens hail from the United Kingdom, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the Netherlands, South Africa, Australia, Tonga, Viet Nam, Tuvalu, Thailand, Philippines, China, Samoa and Fiji.

They were welcomed by students of Ardgowan School who sang waiata and later led a rendition of the National Anthem at the conclusion of the ceremony.

They were hosted by Mayor Gary Kircher who welcomed the new citizens and their families. Each new citizen then swore an oath or affirmation, before being presented with their citizenship documents and a native hebe plant.

Attendees then viewed a welcome video from Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke Van Velden and Her Excellency The Right Hon Cindy Kiro, New Zealand Governor-General.

The new citizens are; Kelsey Holloway, Damian Lofts, Ocean Lofts, Cade Lofts, Gregor Finol and Franciscus Schlack, Kirsten Ewing, Lily Gifford, April Hayes Dickson, Tilia and Sikani Taloni Kava, Joanne Lassen, Thi Bich Ha, Lucas Murphy, Elene Panapa, Jaturavit Parinyapol, Fredy Permintilla, Helena Robinson, Rodney, Mele, Sinamoni and Olika Sikei, Malia Sinamoni, Lili Song, Matia Taefu, Veisinia Melevaiola, Siona Vea, and Sinamaru, Richard, Margaret, Cliantha and Ross Whippy.

ENDS