Central Otago Mayor Tamah Alley joked to the new citizens about there still being time to vote when she discussed the rights and responsibilities of New Zealanders in her speech.
One of the new citizens was Ian Huggins, from England.
After growing up in the council estates in the northwest, he decided to join the Royal Marines Commandos in 1980.
In 1982, as part of 42 Commando, he was among the first British troops to land at San Carlos during the retaking of the Falkland Islands, which he described as one of the most memorable moments of his military career.
After leaving the marines, Mr Huggins began a career in business, where he would meet his wife Marie, who was from New Zealand.
In 1995, they had a daughter, Sarah, who lives in London.
Mr Huggins began work in the offshore oil and gas industry, which took him and his wife to Southeast Asia, the United States and the Middle East.
In 2020, after 20 years working abroad, the couple retired in New Zealand.
A year into his retirement, he wanted purpose in his life and to give back to the community who had welcomed him so warmly, Mr Huggins said.
He became a volunteer with Central Otago Search and Rescue, a business mentor with Business South and qualified as a Justice of the Peace.
However, his main passion was volunteering as a medic for St John in Cromwell.
When he joined he was looking for something new, and was surprised that he enjoyed the work, he said.
Before giving his affirmation, he said he was eager to use his skills, experiences and passion to contribute to the beautiful country and the community.
Other new citizens include: Gabriel Claire Campbell-Lloyd (Australia), Darren John Hassett (Australia), Stephen Hedley Tett (Australia), Nancy Alejandra Scott (Chile), Edward Lewis Bragg (England), Sally Frances Taylor (England), Katja Marina Fisher (Germany), Nancy Katherina Roxburgh (Peru), Vanessa Escamilla Clouston (Philippines), Stephen Luke Lawson (Scotland), Caleb Abrahams (South Africa), Ernest and Jacqulene Wessels (South Africa), Jordan James, Jorja, Mia and Samantha Gaynor West (South Africa), Paula Harumi Race (United Kingdom) and Matthew James Waters (United Kingdom).
