Emma Pritchard

As a young girl growing up in New Zealand, Helen Hunter always felt in her heart that she wanted to come to Australia.

Enticed from the Land of the Long White Cloud, she made the journey across the Tasman Sea 20 years ago to experience and embrace new opportunities and create a home she could forever call her own.

After reciting the affirmation and receiving her Australian citizenship from Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan during the 2025 Clarence Valley Citizen of the Year Awards on January 23, Miss Hunter told the Clarence Valley Independent she felt a sense of belonging, and knew she was where her heart intended her to be.

Originally from Auckland, Miss Hunter initially lived and worked on the Gold Coast when she first arrived in Australia, and gradually made her way south along the east coast until she arrived in the Clarence Valley seven years ago,

Describing the local area as having everything from beaches, national parks, beautiful restaurants, good culture, fishing, camping, and friendly people “right on our doorstep”, Miss Hunter also said one of the things she loves the most about Australia is the unique diversity of the country.

“It’s so different from anything else,” she explained.

“There are so many beautiful places to see and visit, and you can be hours away across the country and be in a different time zone.”

Miss Hunter said she felt proud to receive her Australian citizenship last week and will continue to live and work in the Clarence Valley.