New citizens celebrate Kiwi bonds | Wairarapa News | Local News in Wairarapa

A pair of Brits who have called New Zealand their home since their youth made it official on Thursday.

Linda Jack and Janet Bentley became citizens in a ceremony held in Masterton District Council offices by Mayor Garry Daniell.

Ms Jack says she left England in her 20s with her husband looking for adventure and fell in love with the country.

"I don't want to live in England again. Although I do have my parents and family there, I love the lifestyle here."

One of the Surrey-native's favourite moments was in the early'80s when she went to line up for an Elton John concert - which would have been sold out immediately in her homeland.

"I said to the ticket person 'Is this the right line to get Elton John tickets? Where's everyone else?'

"She said 'Oh, they'll be around later'."

"It's just very laid-back."

She raised two children in Wellington and moved to Wairarapa in 1987 to get away from the suburbs and enjoy a life of rural paradise.

Ms Jack said if there was one thing she missed in England - other than her family - it was "good" warm beer.

Ms Bentley, who moved to Wellington as a young girl and has lived in the country for 50 years, said she was a New Zealander in every way except citizenship - until now.

She still has memories of the village she grew up in, Kempston, Bedfordshire, and the six-week voyage to this country.

She moved to Masterton three years ago with her husband Warren and now works as an administrator in MP John Hayes' electorate office.