Ruapehu welcomed seven people from five countries becoming New Zealand citizens at a ceremony in the Taumarunui Council Chamber this week.
The new citizens, originally from the Philippines, South Africa, China, India and the United Kingdom, were joined by family and friends for the occasion.
Each took the formal step of either swearing allegiance to King Charles III, King of New Zealand, or making an affirmation of citizenship before Mayor Weston Kirton, who represented the New Zealand Government.
Local iwi Ngāti Hauā supported the ceremony.
Mayor Kirton said the official swearing-in must follow a strict protocol, but the involvement of local iwi and tikanga Māori gives our Citizenship Ceremony's a special Ruapehu character.
"Becoming a New Zealand citizen is a significant milestone," he said. "Many of these people have already lived here for years, but it is still a very special day in their lives.
"It was also great to have Year 8 students from St Patrick's School attend as special guests."
Mayor Kirton said New Zealand's growing diversity strengthened the country's resilience and added to the vibrancy of its society.
"People who leave their home countries often have many options.
We all benefit when they choose to build their future in Aotearoa New Zealand and we welcome them as new citizens as part of our Ruapehu community."
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