NZ Citizenship Anniversary...

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​NZ Citizenship Anniversary...
On the 20th of August 2012, I officially became a Kiwi (a New Zealander)
or, what I call...a MexiKiwi,  because, even though I have left my homeland, my roots are still there, so I will also be a Mexican forever... 

Prior to getting my NZ citizenship, I had already lived here in NZ for 20 years with a 'Permanent Resident' status, due to the fact that Mexico and NZ didn't have a dual citizenship agreement back then. Eventually, that came about and I started looking at officially taking up NZ Citizenship.

I remember clearly the beauty of the 'New Zealand Citizenship Ceremony' ... it was something special and an unforgettable moment... it took place at the beautiful Auckland City Town Hall. (Pictured below)

In a group of about 500 people from more than 70 countries at the same ceremony, a person from the government welcomed us ...and said to us ... 

"Thank you so much for choosing New Zealand as your second home ...."

Wow, I don't know if that happens in other countries but it was extremely moving and totally unexpected... and my eyes swelled with tears ... 

Since then I feel enormous gratitude for this country, which, although small, has a big heart. It has given me a good life, full of peace, good health, opportunity (my business) and hope ... and as a bonus my partner in my life... my lovely wife Helen. 

Thank you New Zealand, Kia Ora, Aotearoa.