New Kiwis in Rotorua after citizenship ceremony

Johanees Sydiongco and mayor Steve Chadwick at the ceremony. Photo/Supplied

There were smiles all round as 28 people celebrated becoming Kiwis at the latest citizenship ceremony in Rotorua.

The ceremony was held yesterday at the Rotorua Lakes Council Chamber.

Among those becoming citizens were two Indians, three Filipinos, eight Britons, two Dutch, two South Africans, five Fijians, one Austalian, two Chinese, one Malaysian and two Sri Lankans.

A council spokeswoman said Pukeroa Oruawhata Primary School students gave a memorable performance marking the ceremony with a haka and waiata-a-ringa (action song).

Anuja Palihawadana Arachchige with support from Cr Trevor Maxwell proudly performs a John Paul College haka in recognition of this week's citizenship ceremony.

New citizens:
Ajay Kumar, Rimpi Walia, Divinia Rubio Alcock, Penelope Sandra Barnard, Jocelyn Ladao Calcena, Aloysius Ignatius Maria Dicker, Elisabeth Theodora Dicker-Van den Broek, Leon Jan du Plessis, Surette du Plessis, Eva Ann Gare, Vijay Kumar, Rose Lina Kumar, Mukeshwaran Pansaiya, Davleshni Binita, Arav Yash Waran, John Edwin Rayner, Debra Alana Sherwood, Johanees Lois Villaflor Sydiongco, Lifang Chen, Janita Hartley, Jonathan McPherson, Yit Ling Ho, Nirupa Palihawadana Merigngnage, Anuja Thivanka Palihawadana Palihawadana Arachchige, Shaun David Williamson, Joshua Thomas Umpleby, Georgina Ellen Williamson, Huifeng Zhang.

After 45 years of making a home in New Zealand Penelope Sandra Barnard (left) has become a New Zealand citizen. Photo/Supplied

Pukeroa Oruawhata Primary School students gave a memorable performance marking the ceremony with a haka and waiata-a-ringa (action song). Photo/Supplied