Delegate from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare of the Polish Govt in Exile in London
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Facts
On 28 December 1943, the Prime Minister Peter Fraser invites 500 – 700 children and staff to find temporary refuge in New Zealand. On 31 October 1944, 733 children and 102 staff arrive…
On 28 December 1943, the Prime Minister Peter Fraser invites 500 – 700 children and staff to find temporary refuge in New Zealand.
On 31 October 1944, 733 children and 102 staff arrive in Wellington on board the USS General Randall.
The Polish children’s camp is settled on 1 November 1944 and remains in operation until 15 April 1949.
In response to the installation of a pro-Soviet communist government in Poland in 1945, the New Zealand government welcomes the refugees to remain permanently in New Zealand.
From 1945, the children begin leaving the camp for secondary schools or apprenticeships.
After the closure of the children’s camp in 1949, hostels are established for boys and girls in Wellington and Hawera.
From 1947 Polish ex-servicemen and women related to the children and adults from Pahiatua settle in New Zealand.
The Polish Association of New Zealand based in Wellington is established in 1948