Leonie Sinclair became a New Zealand citizen after 38 years in Rotorua. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER
Leonie Sinclair has lived in New Zealand all her life but has only just become a Kiwi.
Originally from Australia, Sinclair was one of 30 people who officially became New Zealand citizens in Rotorua yesterday.
The doctor arrived in the country when she was 1 but moved to Rotorua in 1979.
"This has been my home all my life. I came to Rotorua in 1979 intending to stay for one year and I never left," Dr Sinclair said.
"I've raised my children here."
While Dr Sinclair had lived in New Zealand for most of her life, she said she chose to become a citizen now for a few reasons.
"I'm certainly very proud of the existing New Zealand Government and their principles of social justice," she said.
"It seemed a good time for me to become a New Zealand citizen. I'm proud of what our future is going to be under this government.
"I like the direction the country is heading."
Dr Sinclair said she loved Rotorua.
"I'm proud of having lived in Rotorua. It's a very grounded and multi-cultural community."
Dr Sinclair said her children's upbringing in Rotorua also meant they were welcoming of all cultures and she was happy to have raised her children to be the way they were.
She has outlived her one-year life expectancy and focuses on the positive: 'I am living'