Ruapehu Mayor Don Cameron welcomed five new citizens to New Zealand on Monday at a special ceremony at the Ruapehu District Council chambers in Ohakune.
It was a rare event - the citizenship ceremonies are usually held in Taumarunui.
The new citizens from South Africa and the Philippines, supported by family and friends, swore allegiance to the Queen before Mr Cameron as representative of the Government.
The council has decided to hold the ceremonies in Ohakune because of the number of new citizens living in the south of the district.
"The swearing-in of new New Zealand citizens is one of my favourite official duties," Mr Cameron said.
"Although the official swearing-in ceremony needs to follow a strict protocol we give it a unique Ruapehu flavour with kaumatua from Ngati Rangi calling the soon to be new citizens and guests into the chamber and participating in the ceremony."
"For all the new citizens this is a significant and special day in their lives where they complete the journey toward making New Zealand home," he said.