The citizens were sworn in during a ceremony at the Central Otago District Council chambers yesterday.
Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan welcomed the new citizens and provided the audience with a short explanation of why the families and individuals had made their move to New Zealand, and in particular, the district.
For some, it was a safer option than their homeland, while others wanted to give their children opportunities they would not have got if they had not made the move.
Some of the new citizens had initially settled in other parts of New Zealand, but decided to move to Central after visiting the area on holiday. One new citizen described the district as "paradise".
Mr Cadogan welcomed them all to what he described as "the brotherhood and sisterhood that is being a New Zealander".
He said there were several aspects all New Zealanders had in common, including the fact we had all come from somewhere else.
"Our predecessors all chose to come here. The only difference is how far back," he said.
"For the people that are becoming new citizens today, it’s a big step and we recognise that.
"One of my greatest pleasures being a mayor is this role," he said, of the citizenship ceremony.
Year 7-8 children from the Alexandra Primary School choir, who sang the national anthem, were among the many people who attended the ceremony.
