‘Happy and proud’ new Kiwi

Thirty-two new Southlanders were sworn in as New Zealand citizens at a ceremony in Invercargill's Civic Theatre yesterday.

Among them was Rafael Marilla, from the Philippines, who said he was very ''happy and proud''.

He has being living in the country for six years and was very pleased with achieving New Zealand citizenship.

However, it was his god-daughters who really stole the show.

Eight-month-old twins Caitlin and Felicity Dudfield had a cuddle and showed their support for their godfather.