Hastings welcomes 33 new citizens

Hastings will welcome 33 new New Zealanders at a citizenship ceremony to be held tomorrow (Wednesday 2 September) from 5pm in the Hastings District Council Chamber.

The candidates’ nationalities are as follows:

Samoan 12
American Samoan 1
Somalian 2
Indian 5
Swedish 1
Tongan 1
South African 4
British 3
Bangladeshi 3
Chinese 1

Kaumatua, Mr Jim Whaanga will welcome those present on behalf of tangata whenua, with entertainment provided by the Hastings Intermediate Kapa Haka Group.

Mayor Lawrence Yule will present each candidate with a Kowhai tree grown at the Hastings District Council’s Nursery, to symbolise “putting down roots”.