After almost seven years in Marlborough, and with their children growing up, Roy Camara Jariel and Judith Hernandez Jariel decided the time had come to become New Zealand citizens.

Originally from the Philippines, Mr Jariel is a registered nurse working at the Redwood Lifestyle Care and Village.

He said on Friday, after the five family members received their citizenship certificates, that he and his wife had decided to take out citizenship for their children.

Their two older children, Ronnel Hernandez Jariel and May Hernandez Jariel, were at college, and their youngest, Ronnel Hernandez Jariel, at Redwoodtown School.

"It's for their future. It's not for me anymore. It's all about them."

The Jariel family were some of the 25 people who became citizens at a ceremony held at the Marlborough District Council chambers.

Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman, assisted by Deputy Mayor Jenny Andrews, welcomed the new citizens on behalf of the district and the country.

He said they added value to our community and he thanked them for choosing to join the district.

"This is a commitment to your future, not a cutting off from the past."

The Marlborough residents who became citizens on Friday are:

Daniel Johannes Du Plessis and Georgina Mathilda Du Plessis, (originally from South Africa);

Roy Camara Jariel, Judith Hernandez Jariel, Ronnel Hernandez Jariel, Jonnel Hernandez Jariel (the Philippines);

Sandra Oliveira da Silva (Brazil);

Joseph Edward Regan, Lorraine Kay Regan, James Edward Regan, Alice Mary Regan, Lucy Victoria Regan (Britain);

Shaun David Hall, Natalie Hall, Daniella Anne Hall, Michaella Marie Hall, Kimberley Louise Hall (Britain);

Susan Kay Hunt (Britain);

Marcus Duncan Osborne, Sharon Osborne, Andrew Alfred Osborne (Britain);

Rory Alexander Osborne (Canada);

Shalom Rofe (Israel);

Blaine Roger Sonneland (United States).

- The Marlborough Express