Christchurch welcomes its newest citizens

One hundred new citizens will be welcomed at the first Citizenship Ceremony to be held since the earthquake on 22 February.

The ceremony will take place this Wednesday, 25 May, 7pm at the Great Hall, Chateau on the Park. This will be the venue for the next two Citizenship Ceremonies, scheduled to take place in July.

The latest new citizens are from 23 different nations. Mayor Bob Parker will confer the citizenship upon them, joined by Hon Nathan Guy, Minister of Internal Affairs, Charles Ronaldson, a Deputy Chief Executive for the Department of Internal Affairs, local MPs Brendan Burns, Ruth Dyson and Nicky Wagner and the President of the Christchurch Ethnic Council Dr Surinder Tandon.

Mr Parker says it is wonderful to see so many people choosing to make a commitment to this city.

“Christchurch has had its seismic events, but it has also shown itself to be a strong, resilient and supportive community. Our new citizens have so much to offer, and their contribution to the healing of the city is very welcome,” he says.