The Cambridge Town Hall was packed for the citizenship ceremony.
*Please note, it is the Fulforth family, not Fulworth as reported in the print version. Our apologies.
Among the newly-minted citizens at a citizenship ceremony in Cambridge last Friday were a United Kingdom doctor and a photographer couple who met at Edinburgh University and who are delighted to have made Waipā their home.
The Fulforth family were among those who affirmed their status as New Zealand citizens at Friday’s ceremony in Cambridge. They are, from left, James and Holly Fulforth flanking their youngsters, Freddie, 13, and Eliza, 10. Photo: Viv Posselt
Gastroenterologist James Fulforth, his photographer wife Holly and their children Freddie, 13, and Eliza, 10, couldn’t be happier with their choice to come to New Zealand.
“We came here first on a bit of an adventure in 2008,” said James. “I was on a work visa and we planned to stay for a couple of years. We ended up in Australia for a while but decided we’d rather be in New Zealand. We settled in Cambridge about seven years ago… absolutely love it.”
Holly said she loves the local market and the fact “it is so safe for the kids here”, while both Freddie and Eliza reckon the move was the best decision ever.
The class of 71
Waipā mayor Mike Pettit welcomed 71 new citizens to the region last week, describing his overseeing of their welcoming ceremony as a highlight of his mayoralty.
Mayor Mike Pettit and Louise Upston MP at Cambridge Town Hall after last Friday’s citizenship ceremony, alongside 71 new citizens and their families
Pettit was joined at the Cambridge Town Hall for Friday’s ceremony by several councillors and Taupō MP Louise Upston. He told The News this was his third citizenship ceremony, and his first in Cambridge.
The 71 citizens, who hail from 18 countries, took their citizenship oaths and affirmations. Pettit described the event as the next step in their journey.
“One of the most special parts of being mayor is welcoming new citizens to our district,” he said. “Becoming a citizen is about choosing to be part of a community, joining its life, and sharing its future. Each of you will help make our community stronger and more connected. You will help our neighbourhoods become better places to live.”
Taupō MP Louise Upston was among those welcoming the new citizens. Photo: Viv Posselt
Gourav Sood, originally from India, said he had been in New Zealand for 10 years. “I’m delighted to be part of this community. I opened a new business last year and Waikato is now my home. I’m here with my family, and my wife and six-year-old son who also became new citizens.”
Ericson Edralin Namoc and his wife Kathleen came from the Philippines in 2019.
“We came for a new life and to pursue our careers. Both our kids were born here and they are Kiwis.”
Each family was presented with a native pikopiko fern as a symbol of the roots they have put down in Waipā.
Citizenship ceremonies are held by Waipa District Council every quarter, alternating between Cambridge and Te Awamutu. The next two will take place in September and November.
Waipā mayor Mike Pettit welcoming the region’s newest citizens. Photo: Viv Posselt
The Cambridge Town Hall was packed for the citizenship ceremony. Photo: Viv Posselt
