Originally from Samoa, father Michael Agavaa Fonoti first arrived in Owaka in 2019, and specialises in boning at Finegand meat works.
His wife Lole and daughter Mamele arrived in Auckland in 2021, where Mamele had surgery at Starship Children’s Hospital.
Last year Michael became a citizen and his four other children arrived in New Zealand from the care of family in Samoa.
With Mamele’s health steadily improving, Michael and Lole considered their options and decided Clutha was the best.
"I looked out for my kids’ future — to go to school — and I was impressed," Mr Agavaa Fonoti said.
"Very quick and easy too, the people here were very helpful."
The family now all live in Balclutha, where Mrs Agavaa Fonoti is a fulltime mother and home-maker.
"He said that down here is a cool place for us," she said.
"We can see different environments and the future of our kids here in New Zealand and it’s really helpful for us, especially the income.
"This came with a lot of challenges for our family.
"It’s a little bit hopeless when you leave your kids behind [but] we know that without hope and without effort we don’t get any rewards.
"This is our reward, becoming New Zealand citizens and I am so grateful. It’s a blessing for us."
Clutha welcomed 135 citizens in five ceremonies this year.
