Hi Friends!
As I type this, I am feeling the most surreal feeling. After nearly 7 years living in New Zealand, we finally obtained our New Zealand citizenship! Is this real life? Grateful is an understatement. I remember dreaming about New Zealand citizenship back when I was just a Florida girl with her New Zealand books proudly displayed on the bookshelf next to her bedside. I would read other people’s stories of their journey to New Zealand citizenship and dream about the day that I could finally say, “We did it!”
Well…WE DID IT! And it wasn’t as hard or daunting as I thought it would be. The applications were short and straightforward, and I am still in disbelief because we applied in late November for citizenship, and our applications were approved in just one month. For reference, we were told the processing time ranged from 4 months to 1 year, and we heard many discouraging stories about the wait time for citizenship. This was only God! His unprecedented favour has been on us from our very first Skilled Migrant Visa, to Residency, to Permanent Residency, and now Citizenship. It’s absolutely mind-boggling! And all glory goes to Him, because without Him, none of this would be possible.
Jack and Diane became New Zealand citizens on 22nd January, and we became citizens this morning (26th February). Because the kids are under 12, they aren’t required to attend a ceremony or give an oath. I was able to opt the kids out of the ceremony and have their citizenship certificates printed and mailed to us. We received them on 30th January. I was really impressed with the turnaround time!
Our ceremony was located right here in Palmerston North. Before we knew what to expect, we assumed the ceremony would be in Wellington (where the US Embassy is located). Then someone who attended a citizenship ceremony years ago told Matt it was held in the Horowhenua (about 45 minutes away). So we were surprised to find out that they were holding the ceremony at the Palmy Conference + Function Centre, which is only 5 minutes away. What a relief, too, because travelling would’ve added so much to our already busy day.
Our ceremony commenced at 10:00am, and we brought the entire family, as well as one of my dearest friends and (practically) sister, Ariana. She has been here for all of our big life events here in New Zealand, so it was beyond fitting for her to attend our citizenship ceremony. I was even more surprised to see people we know also getting their citizenship today. How cool to be able to share this experience with them! For any of you interested in knowing what the ceremony was like: it was short, sweet, and to the point. The dress was smart casual, and guests were invited to wear their native garb (we don’t have any personally, but some people from other countries were in theirs). Key community leaders were in attendance, and we were introduced to them. After a few speeches, we stood up, put up our right hand, and pledged an Oath of Allegiance to New Zealand and King Charles III. Next, they presented us with our certificate of citizenship, along with a small fern tree starter (it’s adorable!). Then Ari’s uncle Wiremu Te Awe Awe gave a welcoming speech on behalf of the Rangitane iwi (who established Palmerston North). We then watched a few congratulatory messages on the screen, and lastly, we sang New Zealand’s national anthem in both Māori and English. Afterwards, they provided some morning tea, and then I conversed with a few people. It was a really nice time!
Not long ago, I was looking through our documentation and realised I had forgotten most of the process we had to go through just to get here. Looking through old piles of paperwork jogged my memory and made me realise exactly how big a feat obtaining New Zealand citizenship really is. And when I look back, I can see the hand of God over our lives, leading us step by step. We couldn’t have done any of this without Him. He provided those very first friends (Americans who immigrated to New Zealand just a few years before we did) who gave us all the information we needed to embark on our own immigration journey. He provided the funds for us to move overseas when we couldn’t do it on our own. And when we got here, He led us to the right people who would be our village and got us in the jobs He had for us. Just a few years in, He made a way for us to purchase a house here, and not long ago, He gave me a new car. And now, He has called me to homeschool the kids, and Matt is excelling in his career.
Needless to say, God has done a lot since we have been here, yet I can’t help but feel that this is the beginning. We are just getting started, and I can’t wait to see the fullness of what He has in store for us next. Getting Secret Sauce Co NZ launched is very much on our radar, and we are (very) eagerly awaiting God’s timing for its launch. In the meantime, we have been intentional during this waiting and preparation season, gaining new skills and knowledge in areas we were previously unfamiliar with and spending quality time as a family.
We have called New Zealand our home since 2019. Now, for the very first time, we are beyond blessed to call Aotearoa our country! We are officially American-Kiwis! And yes, we are still very much American citizens (dual-citizenship). Our next step: New Zealand passports!
Until Next Time,
The Cullums
If you made it this far, I have a fun side note. We are growing sunflowers in our garden, and they seem to bloom on special occasions. Our first sunflower bloomed on Diane’s 8th birthday. It was so special! And our biggest sunflower bloomed today, the day we received our New Zealand citizenship. Little nods from Jesus, celebrating right alongside us. 🙂
The Cullums Immigrate 