Ōpōtiki held the first citizenship ceremony of 2026 last Thursday, welcoming seven new citizens to the district.

Councillor Shona Browne, who led the ceremony, said she had always felt a strong emotional connection to citizenship events and hadn’t missed one in the 15 years she had been on council.

She was excited to be leading the ceremony for the first time.

She recognised the importance of the day as families and individuals from the Solomon Islands, Germany, Philippines and the United Kingdom officially became citizens of New Zealand.

Before the oaths and affirmations and presenting the Citizenship Certificates, Ms Browne spoke on behalf of the ouncil in congratulating all the guests.

“Today marks an important occasion for those of you here about to become citizens, but it is also an important occasion for Ōpōtiki. Each of you brings new perspectives and skills to our community, enriching the whole district.

“It is a very brave thing to uproot yourselves from your countries of origin and choose to come to New Zealand for yourselves and your family.

“This courage will serve you and your families well in the future.  

“On behalf of the community, I welcome you and we feel privileged that you have chosen to make Ōpōtiki home,” Ms Browne said.

Opōtiki welcomes Lolita Agnes Habotu, Lydia Epli Habotu, Lennart Jakob Prinz, Elsa Della Walker, Paul James Harlow, Luke Ratapu Seufert and Ute Seufert.