A fruitful partnership: Grzegorz Kowal reflects on the 50-year diplomatic relationship between New Zealand and Poland.

• Author: Kowal, Grzegorz

This year we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of official diplomatic relations between our two countries. It is a good opportunity to discuss not only our shared past but also our common future.

Although I have the privilege of serving as the fourth ambassador since the Polish diplomatic presence in New Zealand was lifted to the rank of embassy (in 2004), our mutual ties date back to the 18 th century and the second voyage of Captain James Cook. Two members of HMS Resolution's crew (a botanist and a cartographer) were of Polish origin. For a number of years, Poles arriving in New Zealand were searching for economic and political freedom. The 19th century was heavily marked as a time of oppression in Polish history.

For 123 years Poland was wiped out from the map of Europe, partitioned between Russia, Prussia and Austria. During this time, in 1872, the first vessel with Polish settlers arrived at Lyttelton. In 2022 we widely celebrated the 150th anniversary of Polish settlement in this country. The anniversary was also acknowledged by the New Zealand authorities--Governor-General Cindy Kiro sent a video message in which she stressed the contribution made by Polish New Zealanders to the growth of New Zealand.

Our formal connection dates back to the Second World War period. One of the most renowned Polish representatives of that time was Count Kazimierz Wodzicki, who from 1941 was the consul-general in New Zealand for the London-based Polish government-in-exile. He played the key role in bringing to New Zealand more than 700 Polish orphans known as 'Children of Pahiatua' in 1944. Such action would not have been possible without the involvement of two women--the wives of both the count and the prime minister of New Zealand, Maria Wodzicka and Janet Fraser. Given that we celebrated International Women's Day in March, that fact needs to be stressed.

Over the years the Polonia in New Zealand became a visible and strong sign of true closeness between our nations. Poles and New Zealanders fought side by side during the Second World War--during the Battle of Britain, in North Africa and in the famous battle of Monte Cassino. These are symbols of courage and sacrifice for both our nations. Today, Polish New Zealanders are hardworking and committed members of New Zealand society, contributing to the growth of this hospitable country day by day.

Formal connection

On 1 March 1973 our two countries formally established diplomatic...