The new Kiwis on the block – 30 people from all corners of the world received their New Zealand citizenship on Wednesday.

Individuals from Britain, India, Samoa, the Philippines and more pledged their allegiance to King Charles III in front of family and friends, as well as council members, at Ashburton Events Centre.

The ceremonies are held four times a year, and Deputy mayor Liz McMillan said this group was on the smaller side.

“Our bigger ones have been 50 to 60 people.”

While the previous nationalities of new citizens are not stated at the ceremony, McMillian said the range of cultural clothing speaks for itself.

“It just shows how many different people we have living here, they’ve come from all over the world.”

Mayor Neil Brown welcomed the new Kiwis with a small speech before handing them their official certificate.

“Today, your journey towards making New Zealand your home is complete, and I welcome you as a fellow New Zealander.

“You bring the history and heritage of your homeland to your new status as a citizen of New Zealand, thereby enriching us all.

“Thank you for making Ashburton your home. You are all part of our community.”

Everyone received a book and native plant with their certificate – a metaphor as they planted roots in their new home country.

Karl Enriquez came from the Philippines for his wife, Roan Democrito.

“We’ve been together since high school. She came here first, and then I followed her.”

Enriquez has worked as a nurse at Ashburton Hospital for nine years, and enjoys going on hikes through the district with his little spare time.

“People here are very friendly, and diverse as well.”

More than 10 people receiving citizenship had moved from the Philippines, like Enriquez and Democrito.

Dial Yoon, from the Bukidnon province in the Philippines, donned her tribe’s attire for the event.

Her New Zealand born husband and son sat in the crowd as she recited the pledge on stage.

“It was nerve wracking, because I have bad stage fright. Even though I had a guide I was shaking!”

“Being a citizen now, there’s a lot more opportunities.”

Yoon said she’s excited to be a Kiwi and wants her family to grow up with the best of both worlds.

“I don’t want to just forget about my culture. I am going to be a loyal citizen, but I will still teach my baby my roots and where I come from.”

Lize-Mari Spicer, from South Africa, and husband Kevin, from the Isle of Man, moved to Hurunui after falling in love with the region in their younger years.

“We’ve got three daughters, and decided that Canterbury was the place to settle,” Kevin said.”

“It offers everything,” Lize-Mari agreed, “it’s got the beach and the mountains.”

Dhara Rajgor moved to Ashburton in 2016 from India.

“We came here because of my job at that time. When we came here, we bought a business and we really liked this town. Now I don’t want to leave.”

She and her husband have recently acquired shops in Methven and Timaru to branch out their business, which keeps them busy.

They do try to visit their family across the ocean, when they have the time.

“Our parents are there, so we visited last year after nine years.

“It’s difficult with the business, but still we make a little space to visit.”

By Anisha Satya