New Zealand has gained two new citizens.
Ellie Spooner, originally from Manchester in the United Kingdom, and Anil Sharma, previously of Delhi, India, became citizens during a ceremony at the Central Otago District Council on Friday.
The pair were sworn in by Mayor Tony Lepper, who talked about their rights and responsibilities, the magnitude of the occasion and taking a new country as their own. Mr Sharma first came to New Zealand in 2005 to work as a chef and fell in love with the country, he said.
''I'm from a big city but I enjoy the smaller towns. I have seen the difference. Smaller - much better quality of life.''
After spending time in Auckland, he moved to the South Island, and settled with his family in Alexandra, where he manages a restaurant. The town was a safe place for him and his wife to raise their two children, who were born in New Zealand.
Ellie Spooner (17) moved to Alexandra with her family in 2006 and is working towards completing NCEA Level 2 at Dunstan High School.
Although her studies were taking up most of her time, she was excited about gaining citizenship, as it would allow her to obtain a driver's licence.
