New venue for Clutha District Council’s Citizenship Ceremony
The Clutha District Council’s Citizenship Ceremony will be held at the new venue Te Pou Ō Mata-Au with the first ceremony being held on Thursday 4 April at 5.30pm.
The Clutha District Council hosts citizenship ceremonies on behalf of the Department of Internal Affairs to celebrate and acknowledge the new citizen’s commitment to New Zealand.
Mayor Bryan Cadogan said previously the ceremony was held in the Clutha District Council chambers as part of the Council meeting agenda.
“There has been a steady increase in the number of candidates, putting time and space constraints on being able to hold the citizenship ceremony in the chambers during the Council meeting and we have decided to move the ceremony to the new venue at Te Pou Ō Mata-Au.”
By moving the event to 5.30pm it would allow more family and friends to attend and celebrate, he said.
The event format has also been upgraded to create an atmosphere that reflects the celebratory and cultural aspects of the citizenship ceremony.
Mayor Cadogan said the ceremony will include participation with mana whenua and the local school kapa haka group to celebrate the importance of our Māori culture and highlight the district as welcoming, progressive, open-minded, and forward-thinking.
“Welcoming new residents will set the scene for long-term integration that enriches our district’s diversity and vitality and create lasting memories for participants.”
Attendees can connect with each other, building relationships and networks that extend beyond the event.