Twenty-nine new Kiwis welcomed to Dunedin

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, July 2, 2026

Twenty-nine individuals from diverse countries, including Tuvalu, Australia, and Ukraine, were officially granted New Zealand citizenship at a ceremony in Dunedin Town Hall. The event underscores Dunedin’s growing multicultural community and the city’s role in welcoming new residents who contribute to local development.

Twenty-nine new citizens were formally welcomed to Dunedin during a citizenship ceremony held at the Dunedin Town Hall on Tuesday. The event saw friends and family gather to support the individuals as they officially became New Zealanders.

Among those receiving citizenship were Aotoa Tulaga and her son, Suiola Taliala, originally from Tuvalu. The Tulaga family arrived in New Zealand roughly 12 years ago for employment, initially settling in Auckland. Approximately three years ago, the family relocated to Dunedin after one of their sons secured a position on the new Dunedin Hospital project.

Speaking after the ceremony, Mrs. Tulaga expressed her gratitude, describing the journey to citizenship as a “long journey” and expressing thanks for the opportunity to become a New Zealander. Her son, Mr. Taliala, said he was pleased to receive citizenship despite finding Dunedin’s climate colder than he expected. The family planned to celebrate the milestone together with relatives.

Dunedin Mayor Sophie Barker officiated the ceremony and extended a warm welcome on behalf of the city council and the wider community. She noted her particular satisfaction that the new citizens had not only chosen to become New Zealanders but had also decided to make Dunedin their home.

“I bring from my council the warmest of welcomes to your new country and to our city,” Barker said. “On behalf of your fellow citizens of Dunedin, I wish you well as you embark on what is for many of you a new beginning in a new life.”

The new citizens at the ceremony hailed from a diverse range of countries, reflecting the multicultural makeup of New Zealand’s population. They included individuals from Australia, the United States, Germany, Scotland, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, Canada, Ukraine, South Africa, Fiji, Tuvalu, and England.

The full list of new citizens was: Panagiota Penny Allan (Australia), Frances Andrade Baeumer (United States), Boris Baeumer (Germany), Liam Thomas Campbell (Scotland), Carmen Azores Cannan (Philippines), Shaun Clayton (United Kingdom), Jennifer Elizabeth Dustow (Canada), Kateryna Galogre (Ukraine), Yelyzaveta Yudkina (Ukraine), Vanda Marilia Filipe Gilbert (South Africa), Muirice James Gilbert (South Africa), Callen Muirice Gilbert (South Africa), Malia Filipe Gilbert (South Africa), Christopher James Goodwin (United Kingdom), Grace Joanna Hards (United Kingdom), Joerg Markus Hoehn (Germany), Susanne Hutchings (Germany), Katherine Anne Marcar (United States), Iqbal Mohammed Shah (Fiji), Krisina Kasrin Shah (Fiji), Zahara Fatima Shah (Fiji), Kim Dorette Strydom (South Africa), Gert Johannes Jacobus Strydom (South Africa), Haley Strydom (South Africa), Hazel Takacs (England), Suiola Taliala (Tuvalu), Aotoa Tulaga (Tuvalu), and Nicholas Harry Stafford Thompson (United Kingdom).

The ceremony highlighted New Zealand’s commitment to embracing new citizens and the contributions they bring to local communities such as Dunedin.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.