Shamshoon Al-Brwary was one of 26 people from 16 different countries to receive citizenship at a special Waitangi Day ceremony at Government House in Wellington yesterday.
Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy administered the oaths and affirmations of allegiance at yesterday's ceremony, which was hosted by Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae and his wife Lady Janine.
Mr Al-Brwary, 65, was originally from Iraq and has been in New Zealand for five years.
He said he was heading home to celebrate his daughter's birthday with his family about seven years ago when he was attacked and captured by a "terrorist party" in Baghdad.
He said he was told his family had to pay a bounty of $20,000 or they would kill him.
"They said call your family to bring money and we will let you go."
Mr Al-Brwary said he rang his family and instead of asking for the money, he selflessly told them to leave the country.
"So they left the country and went to Syria and told their story to the United Nations."
His family were sent to New Zealand to live because his wife's sister moved here in 1992.
Mr Al- Brwary remained captive for eight months. He said he was beaten and only fed a small amount of bread and water each day.
"I'm an old man -- I told them I would die. Every day I thought I would never see my family, but God saved me."
Mr Al-Brwary said when he finally managed to escape, he ran more than 12km to his brother's house for help.
The next week he fled to Syria, and from there he was sent to New Zealand to meet his wife.
Mr Al-Brwary -- who has two daughters, one son, two grandsons and one granddaughter -- now works a small paper round and saves all the money he makes for his grandchildren.
"Believe me, no matter how much we talk, it is not enough to say 'thank you' to this country. They help us with housing, gave us a benefit because my wife has disabilities.
"Even without getting citizenship, every day I [lived] in New Zealand like any other New Zealander."
His wife and daughter became citizens at a ceremony last year, and Mr Al-Brwary said he was pleased it was now his turn.
"Today I am in a nice dream, I don't know what to say to my wife -- I will ask her if she felt like me last year."
At yesterday's ceremony, which was followed by the Governor-General's Waitangi Day address, Sir Jerry said New Zealand's society would be enriched by the heritage, culture and traditions of all who were becoming Kiwis.
"The wonderful thing about your becoming New Zealanders is that you contribute to the future of New Zealand's society.
"Don't feel, though, that just because you are now one of us, you can't continue to celebrate your own heritage and culture.
"Your new bonds to New Zealand will never diminish the importance of your heritage, your culture and your traditions."
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FACTBOX
A total of 27,947 applicants were granted New Zealand citizenship last year -- an increase of 52 people from the previous year.
Those who receive citizenship are usually given a certificate, and the seedling of a cabbage tree.
However, for the first time, those at yesterday's ceremony also received a copy of Choice Whiriwhiria: The New Zealand Citizenship Story.
The book, which was launched yesterday, showcased the role of new New Zealanders in shaping the New Zealand of tomorrow.
It included interviews and images of people who have actively chosen New Zealand citizenship, as well as information about democracy, human rights and symbols of New Zealand identity.
Councils around New Zealand would distribute the book to new citizens at citizenship ceremonies which were held across the country every day.
By Nikki Papatsoumas of NZME. News Service
