Linked to Poland
The Polish President Andrzej Duda arrived in Auckland last Wednesday for the first time in New Zealand, observing the signing of the Treaty formally connecting Pahiatua to the Polish town of Kazimierz Dolny.
The signing ceremony was held at the Sky City Grand in Auckland with a large entourage of Polish media present. The document was signed by Tararua District mayor Tracey Collis and the Polish ambassador, observed by the Polish President and Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern.
“It was a very important signing for them,” said mayor Collis. The whole back of the room was filled with cameras.”.
Signings were carried out by other dignitaries — an Air Services agreement between Poland and New Zealand and university agreements, then trade talks were conducted.
Every single speech referred to Pahiatua, even those by the Polish President and Prime Minister Ardern.
“There is a true connection to Pahiatua,” said mayor Collis.
At a medal ceremony at Polish House, the Polish President said to John Roy Wojciechowski — one of the Polish Children — “As New Zealand citizens you have made a great contribution to society, their debt has been paid.”
Along with Pahiatua On Track chair Louise Powick, mayor Collis was invited to be part of the motorcade.
“I wanted to wait and see the motorcade. It was exciting. But I didn’t get to watch the motorcade — we were in it!” she said. “It was quite a great feeling. You can get through Auckland at the speed of light in a motorcade. There was a heavy police and security presence.”
On to Government House for dinner with the GovernorGeneral Dame Patsy Reddy.
“Government House looked beautiful and the artworks were impressive,” said mayor Collis. The Governor-General opened the proceedings and the Polish President spoke, again acknowledging Pahiatua. This is a story that needs to be explored further,” said Prime Minister Ardern. A copy of the Polish Children’s book was presented to the President.
The next day a Polish plaque was unveiled in Wellington by the President. Mayor Collis and Louise Powick were invited to attend. Councillor Peter Johns, historian Jean Eddie, Colleen and Phil Cotter and Delamy and Andrew Keall attended the ceremony near Basin Reserve. Then Louise Powick lay a wreath at Frank Kitts Park, together with the oldest surviving Polish child, at a memorial that marks the arrival of over 600 Polish refugee children, Pahiatua’s Polish Children who camped in Pahiatua from November 1, 1944.
“We don’t understand how they feel about us,” said mayor Collis.
More photos in next week’s Bush Telegraph.
The Polish President said to John Roy Wojciechowski — one of the Pahiatua Polish Children and Honorary Consul — “As New Zealand citizens you have made a great contribution to society, their debt has been paid.”