Richard OBrien to receive NZ citizenship at Hamilton ceremony

One of Hamilton’s most colourful and iconic personalities will be among the 50 recipients of New Zealand Citizenships at a ceremony in the Hamilton City Council Reception Lounge on Wednesday (14 December).

Rocky Horror Show creator Richard O’Brien, who has a strong connection to Hamilton, will receive his citizenship from Hamilton Mayor Julie Hardaker during a private ceremony for the 50 recipients, their guests and officials.

Mayor Julie Hardaker said: “Richard O’Brien is international cult icon and we’re really excited that he has chosen to receive his New Zealand citizenship in Hamilton.

“We have a strong arts and theatre scene so I know there will be plenty of fans and supporters keen to celebrate with him afterwards. It will be a special moment, as it is for everyone who receives their New Zealand citizenship. I really enjoy my part in the ceremony – it is an honour play a role in an event that is so significant to many people.”

Born in Britain, Mr O’Brien came to New Zealand with his family in 1952 as a 10-year-old. He lived in Tauranga, before moving to Hamilton once he finished school. His love of horror and similar genres is said to have stemmed from many hours spent watching double feature horror/science fiction films at Hamilton’s Embassy Cinema and he dreamt up the concept for The Rocky Horror Show while working in a barbers shop next door to the cinema.

In 2004 a statue of his Rocky Horror character Riff Raff was erected on the site of the former Embassy Cinema to honour Mr O’Brien and his contribution to the arts.

While Mr O’Brien returned to the UK in the 1960s, his family has continued to live in the country and he has been back to New Zealand regularly since this time.

After receiving New Zealand Residency in August 2010, Mr O’Brien applied for New Zealand Citizenship however the application as initially declined as Mr O’Brien was considered too old to apply under immigration criteria. This sparked an outcry from fans and prompted a public campaign to show support for Mr O’Brien. This was led by Riff Raff statue initiator Mark Servian and immigration advisor Dion Smart, and included the establishment of a Facebook page ‘Let Richard O’Brien be a New Zealand citizen’. Earlier this year it was announced the age restriction criteria had been waived and his application for citizenship approved.

Hamilton City Council hosts 10 citizenship ceremonies each year, with around 700 people receiving NZ citizenships at ceremonies in Hamilton in 2011.

Note for editors:

HAMILTON CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY
Hamilton City Council Reception Lounge, Garden Place
Wednesday, 14 December
Doors open for invited guests at 5.30pm, ceremony starts 6pm

There will be opportunities for media to take photos and interview Richard O’Brien and Hamilton Mayor Julie Hardaker following the ceremony (from approximately 7pm).

Media who wish to attend the ceremony and/or interview Mr O’Brien and Mayor Hardaker must contact Communication Executive Kylee Boswell on kylee.boswell@hcc.govt.nz prior to the event.