Records have been broken with the first citizenship ceremony held at Trusts Arena attended by around 900 people.
600 of Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland’s newest residents received their citizenships and were welcomed alongside their friends and whānau by all three West Auckland local boards.
It was a full house, surpassing the 540-candidate capacity of the previous largest venue, Auckland Town Hall.
63 countries of origin from across the world were represented, reaching another record.
The three boards – Waitākere Ranges, Whau and Henderson-Massey, supported the ceremony as part of group efforts to serve the growing and increasingly diverse West population.
Kaumatua Papa Fred delivered the opening and closing karakia, with the address given by Henderson-Massey Local Board member Ingrid Papau.
Waitākere Ranges Local Board Chair Greg Presland says the growing ceremony is a testament to the draw of living in the West area.
“The West is a great place to live, and as a board we are proud to welcome new citizens to our area as they begin a new chapter in their lives,” says Greg.
The ceremony was amplified by a kapa haka performance from local Te Atatū school Rutherford College Te Kotuku, led by Matua Jeff Ruha.
“It was certainly a big ceremony, and it’s wonderful to witness the diversity of all nationalities coming together to become one family as Aotearoa New Zealand citizens,” says Henderson-Massey Local Board Chair Chris Carter.
“The new home for the ceremonies, Trusts Arena, gives us the potential to continue to grow the ceremony as more people choose the West to call their home.”
Whau Local Board Chair Kay Thomas adds that the merging of cultural histories and ideas contributes to the rich cultural melting pot that is central to the West Auckland identity.
“Our board is excited to welcome new citizens from many lands with long and proud histories.
“We are all stronger for the opportunity to forge new friendships and developer a deeper understanding of ourselves and each other.”
The ceremony followed the typical format of citizenship ceremonies, including a group oath or affirmation of allegiance, in English and te reo Māori, the presentation of citizenship certificates, and the national anthem.
Stay up to date
Sign up for the Henderson-Massey Local Board E-news to get the latest news and events direct to your inbox each month, and follow them on Facebook.
Sign up for the Waitākere Ranges Local Board E-news to get the latest news and events direct to your inbox each month, and follow them on Facebook.
Sign up for the Whau Local Board E-news to get the latest news and events direct to your inbox each month, and follow them on Facebook.
