The largest number of nationalities to ever be represented at a Christchurch citizenship ceremony was on show at the Town Hall earlier this month. People from Venezuela, Kazakhstan, Namibia and Costa Rica were among the new New Zealand citizens being welcomed from 43 nationalities.

“Citizenship ceremonies are a wonderful reflection of Christchurch’s increasing cultural diversity,” says Barbara August, the City Council international relations coordinator. “In recent times there have generally been between 30 and 33 different nations represented.”