The New Zealand High Commission last week celebrated an important occasion for five permanent residents of the Cook Islands, who proudly received their New Zealand citizenship, reflecting the unique ties between the two nations.

New Zealand High Commissioner to the Cook Islands Catherine Graham presented the recipients, Elizabeth “Betsy” Althea Eisler, Grant Michael Walker, Viriona Makaua, Toom Makaua and Anthony “Tonga” Faafiatonga McBride Jnr, their official documents at a reception at Ngātipa.

“Becoming a New Zealander is more than simply a change in legal status. It is a meaningful, lifelong commitment – a joining together in shared values, responsibilities and hope,” said Graham in her welcoming address.

“It is a promise that in an increasingly divided world, you will stand alongside your fellow New Zealanders, wherever you are, and contribute to our rich, vibrant and multicultural society.

“Being a New Zealander is about embracing diversity, such as the diversity we see here today at this ceremony, because we know that our strength comes not from being the same, but from the many voices, backgrounds and experiences that shape our community.

“Being a New Zealander means so many different things to different people, But, ultimately for me, it is about being part of something bigger than yourself. It is something you feel in your heart – being part of a living evolving nation that is shaped by the hopes and contributions of its people.”

Graham thanked the recipients for choosing New Zealand, for believing in what New Zealand stands for, “and for adding your voice, your story, and your future to ours”.

Grant Walker and Betty Eisler both arrived in Rarotonga on February 22, 2002. They have two children Reid (15), and Cyrus 10. The couple received their Cook Islands permanent residency over a decade ago.

“It’s very exciting this is great. More than anything I think it completes the process,” said Walker. “At the end of the day we’re Cookies, this is a nice wonderful thing to have happened and more than anything it’s a symbol we’re part of the community here.”

Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Walker shared his heartfelt thanks to New Zealand and acknowledged the significant milestone in their lives.

President of the Cook Islands Cricket Association since 2018, Walker said he was relieved that the ceremony was held in the afternoon (Wednesday) since he was flying out that evening with cricket girls’ team to Auckland then onto Bali on Monday for the Katini Cup.

Anthony “Tonga” Faafiatonga McBride first arrived in Rarotonga as a young child in 1986 over 35 years ago.

“I’ve been here so long, and both my children were born here,” said McBride. “It’s exciting and I’m relieved it finally came through.”

His partner, lawyer Shanya Sahay, who has maternal lineage to Cook Islands, is an Australian citizen.

Sahay said the good thing is the connection between New Zealand and Australia, making travel between those countries easier for them now, since McBride has an American passport.

Toom Makaua migrated to Rarotonga with his brother Viriona Makaua in 2016 from Kiribati. He loves the people and the lifestyle of the Cook Islands.

“Thank you, New Zealand, and I thank God this is a blessing,” said Makaua.