I am privileged to be officiating today at Marlborough’s largest-ever citizenship ceremony.
Welcoming new members to our community - and some not so new, having lived here as New Zealand residents before being granted citizenship - is always a great honour.
Aotearoa/New Zealand citizenship ceremonies are held regularly at the Marlborough District Council chambers, as they are at other councils around the country.
As Mayor, I officiate at these and stand by citizenship candidates as they affirm their allegiance to the Crown, promise to obey the laws of the land and to be good citizens.
Our newest citizens often invite family, friends and neighbours to attend the ceremony and witness the change, or addition, of citizenship from their country of birth to becoming a New Zealander.
Their pride at these ceremonies is always obvious and palpable. Those who migrated as adults usually worked incredibly hard to get to New Zealand, to build up their new lives here, to understand our culture and way of life, and to ultimately establish a great future for themselves and for their children.
For me, it’s not only a great opportunity to meet and engage with more Marlburians, which is one of the most important aspects of being Mayor, but to learn about their fascinating and diverse backgrounds.
Some have come here from countries with very diverse backgrounds and customs; others from situations more familiar to many New Zealanders, such as the UK or Australia.
Those who needed support with settling here talk about the wonderful Marlborough Multicultural Centre, which for many years has done an outstanding job of providing advocacy, networking opportunities and education options to our newest arrivals.
Whatever the background of Marlborough’s new citizens, they often tell me how lucky and proud they feel to call this beautiful region their home. And we are very lucky to have them - they contribute to Marlborough with their skills, their knowledge, and their diverse backgrounds and experiences.
After all, diversity is an important part of the fabric of any society. Our differences are what add colour and vibrancy, and encourage tolerance, understanding, and open minds.
I wish all 20 of the new citizens who attend today’s citizenship ceremony the very best for their futures here in Marlborough, and look forward to hosting them for this special occasion.
