It was an honour and a privilege to represent the Hutt Multicultural Council, Inc. (HMC) at the Hutt City Citizenship Ceremony held on 25th June 2025 at the Hutt Civic Centre. The event marked a significant milestone in the lives of nearly 200 new citizens who officially received their New Zealand Certificate of Citizenship, formally joining our vibrant and diverse Aotearoa community.

I was proud to stand alongside Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry, MP Chris Bishop, a representative from the Hutt City Police Department, and a representative from the New Zealand Maritime Navy Station as we welcomed our newest fellow Kiwis. It was heartening to see people from many parts of the world taking the oath of citizenship, with approximately 10% of the recipients from India, and the rest representing a rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds from across the globe.

The ceremony was not only a celebration of identity and belonging but also a reminder of the unity that diversity brings to our communities. As a representative of HMC, I take immense pride in witnessing the growth of our multicultural society — where people of all nations, ethnicities, and beliefs are welcomed with open hearts and the shared vision of a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous New Zealand.

To all our new citizens — Welcome! Kia ora! Mabuhay! May your journey in Aotearoa be filled with purpose, opportunity, and a deep sense of belonging.

This article was contributed by Marcelo Esparas.