The beauty of Central Otago and the hospitality of its people were among the reasons 14 people decided to settle there.
Last week, they swore allegiance to Queen Elizabeth before Central Otago Mayor Tony Lepper and officially became New Zealand citizens.
"We may have all come in ships but we are all in the same boat now," Mr Lepper said, quoting Martin Luther King jun.
The Beaumont family of David and Susan, Emma and Matt came from England on a family holiday in 2005 and used Cromwell as a base to explore the lower half of the South Island. They described it as "the start of a long love affair with New Zealand".
For Dr Beaumont, the best things about Central Otago were the people, the community, the climate and the lifestyle.
"It's a very sociable and safe environment," Mrs Beaumont said.
The family have given back to the community that welcomed them through their volunteering efforts and Dr and Mrs Beaumont's occupational medicine business.
Mrs Beaumont has been on the local junior soccer club committee and, as a member of the Relay For Life committee, is busy preparing for this weekend's relay to raise money for the Cancer Society.
Dr Beaumont was on the board of trustees for Cromwell College and Miss Beaumont has helped raise $15,000 for Cure Kids.
Other new citizens are Mrs Ester Bagnall (of the Philippines, now of Alexandra), Mrs Elizabeth Crawford, (of England, now of Teviot), Mr Steven Hutt and Mrs Ronette Hutt (of England, now of Cromwell), Miss Delia Bellaby (of England, now of Cromwell), Mr James Benck (of the United States, now of Alexandra), Mrs Amanda Clearwater (of England, now of Alexandra), Mr Rudolf Plucinsky (of the Czech Republic, now of Galloway), Ms Guilia Porrelli (of England, now of Cromwell) and Mrs Joanna Whitmee (of England, now of Alexandra).
As is traditional for the Central Otago District Council, all the new citizens received a New Zealand native kowhai tree to mark the occasion.
