Samoan family reunited after almost 10 years

Samoan New Zealanders Kirisitina Kalapu, Ina Rutha Ah Lam, 17, Agnes, 4, Harvey, 11, Sili, 16 and...
Samoan New Zealanders Kirisitina Kalapu, Ina Rutha Ah Lam, 17, Agnes, 4, Harvey, 11, Sili, 16 and Andrew Kalapu received their citizenship at TPŌMA last Thursday. PHOTO: NICK BROOK
Among those welcomed as New Zealand citizens in Balclutha was the family of Andrew Kalapu, from Samoa.

"We found out my family could come last year in June, but I was here for seasonal work at Silver Fern Farms for almost 10 years," Mr Kalapu said.

"Something came up during the Covid [pandemic] that everybody stuck here would have a chance to apply for residency, so from 2020 I started applying for my family in Samoa. It’s a long wait for ... us."

Though he came to New Zealand alone, he found support within the local Pasifika community.

"When I started, some friends and groups that we share food with went to church ...

"It’s good and helpful for all the youth and Pasifika to go to church, it will help you to find your way. We fathers are the leaders of families so we need to do something for them.

"Today is a special day to become citizens of New Zealand; we are very grateful."

About 30 new citizens, friends, family and council staff attended the ceremony at Clutha District War Memorial & Community Centre Te Pou O Mata-Au, which included a traditional welcome by South Otago High School pupils and a video describing the history of the Clutha Mata-Au area.

Via video, Governor-General Cindy Kiro welcomed the new citizens, who swore an oath or affirmation to uphold the laws of New Zealand and allegiance to King Charles III as head of state.

"We are planning a dinner with friends after," Mr Kalapu said.

NICK.BROOK@cluthaleader.co.nz