Mrs Prasad, her husband Kailash and their daughter Shabree, originally of Fiji, were three of dozens of new New Zealanders to receive their citizenship on Wednesday.
Mrs Prasad first came to New Zealand on holiday in 2003 and "fell in love".
"So I said to my husband, if ever I have to move to any country, I’ll go to New Zealand," she said.
In 2008, the Prasad family arrived in Dunedin from Suva when Mrs Prasad, now a healthcare assistant, got a job at Leslie Groves Residential Care Services.
"It was a bit tricky to start with in those days. But then we were very fortunate."
They became residents in 2019 through the South Island Contribution Resident Visa and becoming citizens this week was a "big relief", Mrs Prasad said.
"For Dunedin, I really feel happy. I have been to other parts of New Zealand, I feel Dunedin is my home.
"This is the best place to be. Nice and quiet and easy to move around and everything.
"I have some very good friends we are surrounded with."
Mr Prasad now works as a bus driver and Shabree a care co-ordinator.
The family were celebrating with dinner at a friend’s restaurant, Mrs Prasad said.
"I would like to thank [Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich] and everyone, Immigration as well ... giving us this opportunity to be part of New Zealand and call New Zealand as our home now for lifetime."
