A place to call home

New Zealand officially became home yesterday  for people who became citizens in a ceremony in  Alexandra, held at the Central Otago District Council chambers.

They came from as far away as Siberia in Russia, Brazil, France, South Africa,  and the United Kingdom, and made oaths or affirmations to become New Zealand citizens.

Some chose New Zealand for the scenery, the seasons or love.

For others, it was a move to farming in the Maniototo and Tarras.

Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan told the new citizens the ceremony was his "favourite part of being mayor".

Pictured (from left) are: Anne Olivia Schneeberger, from France, Camilla May Rutherford, from the United Kingdom, Alessandra Bidone Vianna, from Brazil, Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan, Svetlana Olegovna, from Russia and Peter Andrew McNamara, from South Africa.