Berly George, a nurse at Matariki in Te Awamutu with her husband disability support worker Biju Paul – now a New Zealand citizen – son Nathan Paul and mother Anu George with mayor Susan O’Regan
Last week’s Te Awamutu News had two stories that seemed to sit alongside each other. One was the story by Mary Anne Gill covering Waipā’s latest citizenship ceremony.
Rain outside meant the traditional photo of Waipā’s new New Zealand citizens on the Town Hall steps was out of the question. Seated in front of them inside the hall are mayor Susan O’Regan, left, and Heng Sok, originally from Cambodia. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
One hundred and eight people were made New Zealand citizens, some of whom have been in New Zealand many years. The article also stated that over 1000 people have been made New Zealand citizens in Waipā over the past three years. That is a lot of people choosing to become New Zealanders.
Rev Julie Guest
This made me wonder, what is it that motivates these people to throw their cap in with us?
Our news seems to be all about the lack of quality of life in New Zealand – high cost of food, increasing rates, lack of affordable housing, poor access to health care and stretched resources for schools, police and agencies that help us care for each other.
Then I noticed the comment by our Te Awamutu Community Constable, Ryan Fleming. He was writing about the policing Prevention Team in Waipā, explaining that there are three roles: Youth Aid Officer, School Community Officer and Community Constable. Ryan pointed out that these three people work closely together, combining knowledge and skills to bring about the best outcomes for everyone, with a focus on supporting and steering people away for criminal activity.
Also in the media this week is the story of “Mamma Ghee,” who has gone from three terms in prison and a methamphetamine addiction, to someone who is about to fight in a charity boxing match raising funds for suicide prevention.
Ryan Fleming
These stories sit in contrast to the overwhelmingly negative picture we are often painted about New Zealand. Perhaps we don’t recognise how much we have going for us. I’m not downplaying that things are difficult for many people at present, but it seems New Zealand still is a place where opportunities exist. It seems to me that the cooperation between the Crime Prevention Team is a picture of the best of attitudes we have in New Zealand. As a country we still believe that everyone deserves a chance to become all that they were created to be, and that every one of us can offer that opportunity to each other. As the saying goes, “cooperation is the thorough conviction that nobody can get there unless everybody gets there.” (Virginia Burden).
This belief that everyone deserves a chance reflects something deeper – the Christian conviction that all people are created equal and created to be loved. This isn’t just policy or political rhetoric; it’s at the heart of what makes communities thrive. When we see each person as having inherent worth and potential, we create the kind of society that attracts new citizens and transforms lives like “Mamma Ghee’s.”
Churches throughout Te Awamutu embody this belief, opening their doors to anyone seeking community, purpose, or simply a place to belong. These congregations invite all who want to explore this way of living – where every person matters – to join in building the kind of welcoming, caring community that makes New Zealand the place over 1000 people in Waipa chose to call home.
