Clyde Primary School pupils (front row, from left) Peyton Robertson (12) Arlia Murphy (11) and Olivia Harris (11) and (back right) Phoebe Wellstead (13) and school staff, principal Doug White, teacher Steph Kitto and volunteer Joe Stevens join other Clyde pupils in adding sign language to New Zealand’s national anthem at last week’s citizenship ceremony in Alexandra. Photo: Pam Jones.

New Zealand’s national anthem took on an additional language at last week’s citizenship ceremony in Alexandra.

Clyde Primary School pupils and staff added sign language to their English and Maori versions of the national anthem, sung at the conclusion of the Central Otago ceremony.

Pupils from Alexandra primary schools usually performed the national anthem as part of the citizenship ceremonies but last week Clyde pupils were proud to sing for the first time at the ceremony, principal Doug White said. It was also the first time the national anthem had been performed in sign language at the ceremony.

Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan congratulates Central Otago's newest New Zealand citizens after a citizenship ceremony in Alexandra last week. Photo: Pam Jones

Clyde teacher Steph Kitto said sign language had been introduced to their school several years ago and was now a "normal" part of the school day. Sign language was part of the national anthem when it was sung at the school assembly every week and added to other songs as well, and was integrated into normal classroom teaching.

"It’s not even a formal programme, it’s just integrated, like te reo. All our pupils know words and basics of sign language, to varying degrees of proficiency. It’s just what we do now."

Twelve new citizens were welcomed at the ceremony from countries including Brazil, Ireland and Canada.

Many said making New Zealand their home was "a dream", and Mr Cadogan said "lots of love stories" had brought people here, too.

pam.jones@odt.co.nz