Some 33 countries are listed as the place of birth of those due to swear allegiance to the Queen of New Zealand. The largest numbers were born in Britain (37), China (29), South Africa (20) and Taiwan (48). At the other end of the scale, there is just one person each whose place of birth is Australia, Bahrain, Belarus, Bulgaria, Cuba, Ireland, Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Peru, Poland, Spain, Sweden and Tonga.

According to migration figures for the city for the year to March, Christchurch has turned around a four-year run of population losses, with fewer New Zealanders leaving and a small increase in the number of foreign residents arriving.

In the March 2002 year the city had a net gain of more than 1500 people from overseas. According to the figures, 6776 people arrived and 5227 left. Of those who said they were coming to live, about a third were returning Kiwis.

Christchurch Mayor Garry Moore is keen for the migration numbers to remain positive. “For cities like Christchurch migrants make us grow and become more cosmopolitan, they bring colour and vibrancy and considerable economic benefits,” he says. “They help us to become more comfortable with the wider world and we welcome them.”

Notes:

1. The migration information does not show a person’s country of birth, so someone coming from Canada may not be Canadian. The country-of-origin information simply shows in which country that person last lived permanently for a year. The figures show that China (925), Japan (705), England (457) and Australia (335) were the top four emigration points for last year’s new arrivals.
2. The City Council holds citizenship ceremonies in the Town Hall’s Limes Room four times a year, with up to 400 people becoming citizens each time. Tomorrow’s ceremonies begin at 9.30am and 2pm.