Welcoming new citizens

Twenty-five candidates from eleven countries are now Marlborough citizens.

The new citizens from India, UK, Philippines, Italy, USA, Tonga, Fiji, Thailand, England, Ireland and South Africa were welcomed at a special ceremony in Council Chambers recently.

Mayor Taylor told the group they would all now enjoy the rights and freedoms of native-born New Zealanders.

“Your decision to apply for citizenship was no doubt made after very careful consideration and is a commitment to your future,” she said. “It is not a rejection of your past but in future your first loyalty will be to New Zealand.”