A Tongan family of 10 became citizens of New Zealand during a ceremony held in Oamaru, New Zealand held last week.

They were among 18 people from seven countries who were sworn in at the ceremony, attended by Mayor Gary Kircher at the Waitaki District Council chambers.

The father, Leimoni Tu’itavake said he was very happy to become a citizen with his wife Toakase and their eight children.

"We love it here. Oamaru is a good, small place for us."

The Oamaru Mail reported that the family had lived there for 10 years after two-years in Christchurch.

The couple’s first four children were born in Tonga before the family moved to New Zealand to look for work. The father has since been working at the Alliance Plant at Pukeuri.

Mr Kircher said he was thrilled by the great new bunch of citizens and acknowledged the lengthy citizenship process and the number of hurdles in place.

“It’s such a long process. The perseverance is appreciated.”