Waitaki District Mayor Melanie Tavendale, who hosted her first citizenship ceremony, said it was "an absolute privilege to welcome those who have chosen to make New Zealand their home".
"Our new citizens bring with them the vibrant diversity of their backgrounds, their investment and love for their community and make our district a very special place,” she said.
A waiata was performed by the students of Totara School and
interim principal Matt Hannagan said they were an "enthusiastic, respectful and proud group of children" who sang for the new citizens and their families.
Each new citizen swore the oath of allegiance and they were all presented with their citizenship certificate by councillors John McCone, Sven Thelning and Dan Lewis.
They also received a native hebe plant as a welcoming gift.
Aloma Feuu, originally from Samoa, told the Oamaru Mail she was elated to become a New Zealand citizen.
"I feel emotional, after 32 years in New Zealand and all my family growing up here — this is our home," she said.
After 22 years of living in Auckland, and a decade in the Waitaki district, her family had all encouraged her to get New Zealand citizenship after a trip to Samoa this year.
"My husband and my kids were pushing for me to do it — we love the environment in New Zealand and the happy people, they are very friendly," she said.
In a welcome video, Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden said "before today New Zealand was your home, now it is also your country".
Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro said they had now joined "one of the most diverse populations" in the world.
The Totara School students then led the group in singing the national anthem, before group photos were taken on the staircase of the Oamaru Opera House.
The new citizens are Ivan Philips Bennyson, Ryan Philips Bennyson, Bennyson Pappachan, Gigi Thomas, Swagata Manickam (India), Verena Birchall, Petra Franziska Myhill, Johann Christoph Rohrbach, Dagmar Hildegard Rohrbach, Ronny Kurze, Annika Kurze (Germany), Uluifalefisi Junior Fakatoufifita, Timote Paula Hanipale, Manu Kafoa Fine Teumohenga Hausia, Malia Peneti Hausia, Eleni Makineti Kasima Hausia, Lisiate Tuli Hausia, Uhila Moe Langi Malafu (Tonga), Aloma Feuu (Samoa), Lina Kurze, Jodie Anne Neill (Australia), Meradinah Samson Pavo (Phillipines), John David Garnett (England), Mona Kurze and Marconi Robertson Harley Hausia (New Zealand).
