29 Jul 2016

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A special citizenship ceremony will be held on Sunday to mark the 160th anniversary of the founding of Christchurch.

Christchurch became a city by Royal Charter on July 31, 1856, making it officially the oldest established city in New Zealand.

To mark the occasion Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel will conduct a special citizenship ceremony in which 32 people from 12 different nationalities will become New Zealand citizens.

“Citizenship ceremonies are always very special, joyful occasions but this one will be extra special because it is occurring on the 160th anniversary of the founding of this great city,’’ Mayor Dalziel said.

“In the 160 years since its founding Christchurch has become a place that people from all corners of the world want to call home so it is very fitting that we mark this historic occasion by officially making some of the people who have chosen to make their lives here Kiwi citizens.’’

Joining Mayor Dalziel at the citizenship ceremony will be Internal Affairs Minister Peter Dunne, former Christchurch Mayor Garry Moore, and a number of local MPs.