Citizenship in tune with future plans for Melody

South Africa born Melody Matthews plans to live in New Zealand for the rest of her life. Picture / Kenny Rodger.

For South African-born Melody Matthews the decision to take up citizenship in this country was an easy one.

Ms Matthews, who has been living in New Zealand for six years, said she was uncertain whether she would be able to retain dual South African and New Zealand citizenship but would "definitely" choose the latter if she had to.

"I have made this place my country and my home and plan to be here for the rest of my life," she said.

The 24-year-old was among 300 people from various nationalities who gained New Zealand citizenship at a ceremony in Manukau last night.

Originally from Port Elizabeth but now working here in the loss prevention industry, Ms Matthews said she left an "over-populated" South Africa for better opportunities in New Zealand.

"Work had definitely become quite hard to find over there so that was a big factor in our decision to move here.

"The quality of life here is also very good. Sure there are things I will miss about home but they are more friends and family," she said.

Because there are more immigrants taking citizenship, two ceremonies are being held a month, when previously there was one.