Becoming a New Zealand citizen was an emotional experience for Ting Thompson, bringing a lot of happiness and a few tears.
Mrs Thompson, with her husband Craig, and daughters, 6-year-old Jasmine and 4-year-old Tara, celebrated with friends and family after Mrs Thompson swore an affirmation to become a citizen.
She said her two little girls became citizens the easy way – they were born here. "There is only me in the family who was not a citizen.
"I'm so pleased to become a citizen.
"Something just makes me cry when I am singing the national anthem."
Mrs Thompson was one of 23 people receiving their New Zealand citizenship from Mayor Alistair Sowman at a ceremony at the Marlborough District Council chambers on Friday afternoon.
The nationalities of the new citizens ranged from British, South African and American to Tongan, Russian, Ukrainian and Chinese.
Mrs Thompson, originally from Nanjing in China, spent 15 years as a journalist in China and Japan, before meeting her Kiwi husband and moving to New Zealand seven years ago to get married and start a family.
Now living in Picton, she works part-time at Picton Library, and assists the local tourism effort by helping out with Mandarin and Japanese translations for visiting tourists.
"We live on the hill in the bush. Most Chinese, they are from big cities, and they find the bush a bit frightening, but I'm pleased to be living here.
Mrs Thompson said she was still very proud of her Chinese culture and heritage, but she did love Kiwi culture.
"The more I stay here, I feel I am a New Zealander.
"In New Zealand, I have found my home."
- The Marlborough Express
CATHIE BELL
Citizen Ting: Ting Thompson at the Marlborough District Council chambers after the ceremony with her family, from left, daughters Tara, 4, Jasmine, 6, and husband Craig Thompson
Congratulations and WELCOME!
well done Ting congratulations on becoming a citizen you have fitted in well into picton and always so friendly
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