Citizenship ceremony

Two weeks ago we became New Zealand Citizens. This is a measure of our attachment to this new country that we have come to live in.
The ceremony was held in the Council Offices at Kaikohe.
We had to read an oath of allegiance to the Queen and to promise to obey the laws.
The Mayor, Wayne Brown, officiated in his characteristic laid back fashion. We had waiata (songs) from a little group that included the vocalist from a reknowned local reggae band called 1814!
One of the nicest parts of the whole thing, was listening to peoples' stories about how they came to be in NZ.
Finally there was light refreshments and a chance to mingle. Patrick got to wear Wayne's bling and to have a cheeky picture taken!