He was one of 19 people to become Australian citizens during a ceremony on April 5.

Mr Boyko left Ukraine when he was 11, grew up in New Zealand and came to Australia for university.

And he stayed.

“I feel part of the community so I thought I might as well make it legitimate,” he said about Australian citizenship.

“I think it [the ceremony] was more emotional than I expected it to be.

“I feel like I can honestly support the Australian sports teams now, except the cricketers.

“I’m still going for the Black Caps.”

Mayor Peta Pinson officiated at the citizenship ceremony.

Anice John and Biju Jose, and their eight-year-old son Aaron Biju, also became Australian citizens.

Mrs John’s work as a registered nurse was the catalyst for the move to Australia.

The climate and education opportunities for eight-year-old Aaron attracted the family to Port Macquarie after living in Brisbane and Armidale.

“People are coming from all different countries and settling here peacefully,” Mrs John said.

Aaron said it was exciting to become an Australian citizen.

The new Australians citizens came from New Zealand, Ukraine, India, The Philippines, United Kingdom, South Korea, France and Canada.