Taking citizenship was a big step which for some people involved giving up citizenship of their previous home country, Central Otago Mayor Tamah Alley said.
However, as many people knew, you could have more than one child — or citizenship — and your love was not halved but increased, she said.
While they may not have picked the most convenient place for their families to visit, their chances of becoming an Olympian had increased given New Zealand’s population, Mrs Alley said.
Nineteen people received their certificates declaring them New Zealanders, and were also given a kowhai tree.
Anyone who could not plant their tree could have it planted at the Half Mile reserve by council parks and recreation staff, Mrs Alley said.
The newest citizens came from South Africa, the United Kingdom, England, France, Germany and Fiji.
Some had been here fewer than 10 years and one had been here 30 years.
Many had followed their hearts to be with partners who were New Zealanders and others wanted to give their children a greater opportunity than they had in their home countries.
One said travelling would be much easier as their family had all been on different passports in the past.
Another citizenship ceremony was held in Alexandra yesterday.
