Poland in New Zealand

The study reported here was conducted in late 2019/early 2020 to assess the determinants of Polish identity among first and second-generation New Zealand born individuals of Polish descendants - the generation first born in New Zealand whose parent(s) was/were born in Poland or the second generation born in New Zealand whose grandparent(s) was/were born in Poland and whose parent(s) was/were born in New Zealand. Of particular interest will be responses from individuals related to the Polish child refugees that came to New Zealand in 1944.

The study consisted of

• a brief literature review on Polish immigration to New Zealand highlighting the Polish child refugees that came to the country in 1944,
• a brief literature review on the determinants of ethnic identities among immigrants (with particular attention to those of Polish descent,
• an online survey of 159 individuals of Polish decent, and
• twenty interviews with individuals related to the child refugees that came to New Zealand in 1944.

Survey findings are reported for all respondents. In addition, survey findings are reported for a “target audience” consisting of respondents who identified with their Polish heritage at least “a lot” and intend to put at least “a lot” of emphasis on the importance of their Polish heritage with children they have/raise. A comparative analysis is presented highlighting the differences between all respondents and the target audience. Based on interview findings, an analysis of the influence that being related to a Polish child refugees that came to the country in 1944 is also included. Findings from the study were used to develop a strategy for promoting Polish identity. This strategy, described in the final section of this report, should prove useful to Polish cultural organizations in New Zealand (and perhaps elsewhere) in their efforts to develop programming that successfully promotes Polish identity with their audiences. 

Earlier this year, in February, Renata Vickrey together with Prof. Ben Tyson, Department of Communication from Central Connecticut State University presented their research findings during the seminar held at the Polish Embassy in Wellington premises. 

See the whole report attached.