Dressed in best to mark big day

WELCOME: Frank Cody Lounge, Masterton. Karti Singh-Sami, Fijian, Dean White, British, holding daughter Edie, 19 months, Dipenkumar Patel, Indian, Mukendrakumar Patel, Indian, Nannak Nuon, Cambodian, Mayor Lyn Patterson, Diya Molechan, 14, Puja Molechan, 17, Nerina Molechan, Rajesh Molechan, South African, Kueva Ioane, Samoan, and Lusia Ioapo, Samoan. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

The Molechan family from South Africa were determined that becoming New Zealand citizens would be a colourful day they would never forget.

They embraced their Indian heritage when some members wore traditional garments that took two weeks of meticulous work to make for the Masterton ceremony.

Puja Molechan, 17, said their family moved to New Zealand seven years ago from Durban in South Africa, and had been living in Masterton for six years.

The Wairarapa College student reckoned the best part of living in Masterton was the welcoming nature of the town.

"The people here, they're really lovely and there's lots of different cultures and everyone's really welcoming.

"And now I am a part of New Zealand as a citizen. I wanted to become a citizen because I really enjoy the culture of New Zealand, that's one thing I quite enjoy in school as well."

Eleven Wairarapa residents became New Zealand citizens on Thursday afternoon at Masterton District Council's citizenship ceremony.

Mayor Lyn Patterson said she was happy they had chosen Masterton as their home of choice.

"And I want to acknowledge that our country and our region are all the better by having a diversity of cultures living here," she said.

Six nations were represented at the ceremony - Samoa, South Africa, Cambodia, India, Fiji and Britain.

Each new citizen or family were given a kowhai tree by the council, which Miss Molechan said was the best part of the day.

"Every time we look at the tree, we'll think of our citizenship.

"As we grow the tree will grow, and it will always be there as a reminder of today."