Mayor welcomes new citizens - 27/09/2012Mayor Annette Main today welcomed a group of new citizens to Wanganui, congratulating them on their decision to make New Zealand, and Wanganui in particular, their home.
The ceremony was held in the Wanganui District Council Chamber where the new citizens were presented with their certificate of New Zealand Citizenship and gifts to commemorate the occasion.
The ceremony was followed by afternoon tea for the new citizens and their guests.
The new citizens and their original nationalities are:
Mr Simon Badcock - British
Mrs Julie Anne Badcock - British
Ms Sarah Louise Badcock - British
Miss Alice Mary Badcock - British
Mr Hendrik Johannes Cilliers - South African
Mrs Claire Linda Cilliers - South African
Mr Corbin Clyde Nel - South African
Miss Logan Amber Nel - South African
Mr Gavin Peter Fields - British
Mrs Jayne Fields - British
Miss Kira Denise Fields - British
Miss Tessla Frederike Grunwald - German
Mrs Heather May Hill - British
Mr Hendrikus Maria Hubers - Dutch
Mrs Jasvir Kaur - Indian
Mr Billa Ram - Indian
Miss Kulwinder Kaur - Indian
Mr Stephen Christopher Lundall - South African
Mr Barend Carolus Muller - South African
Mrs Ronelle Buckle Muller - South African
Mrs Elepise Sio - Samoan
Mr Barry Turner - British
Mrs Elisabeth Susan Turner - American
Mr Jack Arthur Turner - British
Miss Kati Elisabeth Turner - British
Master Charles Samuel Turner - British
Mr Daniel Warren van Schalkwyk - Zambian
Mr Waisale Waqewaqe - Fijian
Ms Louise Helen Watling - British
Ms Yanyu Chen - Chinese
Mrs Selena Jane Littlefair - British
Mrs Kelly Phillips - Chinese
Mr James Matthew Sullenberger - American
Mrs Brenda Gail Thorley - British
Why are citizenship ceremonies held by the council?
The ceremony is an opportunity for the local community to welcome the new citizens on behalf of all New Zealanders.
Most citizenship ceremonies are held by local councils. At the ceremony applicants must stand before an official person, such as the Mayor, and take the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance.
The oath or affirmation says the person will honour Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of New Zealand, obey the laws of New Zealand, and fulfil their duties as New Zealand citizens. | 
