Ten new citizens 'tonic' for district

People who became New Zealand citizens at a ceremony in Balclutha on Thursday spoke of the honour they felt and the opportunities they saw for their future.

Ten new citizens swore the oath of allegiance at the Clutha District Council, supported by friends and family.

Mayor Bryan Cadogan said it was one of the bigger ceremonies the council had hosted.

It was special to have ''so many new citizens that were excited about becoming part of Clutha''.

''It's a tonic for us.''

Those who became citizens were: Dexter de Guzman (Philippines), Jacquelyn de Guzman (Philippines), Marigje Ponsonby (Australia/Denmark), Senara Puni (Samoa), Ainul Shamim, Abdul Shamim, Abdul Kalim and Abdul Aalameen, (all Fiji), Theresa Wilson (United Kingdom) and Jennel McKenzie (Canada).