Poland in New Zealand

In Wellington, Ambassadors of European countries and members of the Ukrainian Association “Gromada” commemorated 2nd year since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The group was joined by New Zealand Symphonic Orchestra members and many Wellingtonians. Ambassador Kowal had the honour to address the participant and to say a few words of encouragement. In his speech, he focused on the importance of support for Ukrainian People.

In Auckland, Mahi for New Zealand organized a rally and the exhibition “Ukraine- the War in Europe” at the Silo Park Wynyard Quarter. Speakers included David Seymour - Cabinet Minister, and leader of the ACT party, Teanau Tuiono- Green Party MP, Patrick Gamble - the Ukrainian Honorary Consul, and the Ukrainian community members. Boguslaw Nowak, the Polish Honorary Consul for Auckland and North Island, had as well the honor to address the rally participants in Auckland. He underlined, that despite fatigue and suffering, Ukrainians show resilience and great fighting spirit. He stressed that the Ukrainian nation struggles for its existence, freedom, and democracy and fights against the regime, which is a real threat to the whole democratic world. Furthermore, he also said that Stalinism came back to Russia with political prisoners in gulags, and people brainwashed by the Soviet type of propaganda.

The gathering, organized by the local Ukrainian community, took place as well in Christchurch. The members of the SPK (Polish Ex-Servicemen Association) South Island Branch, together with the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland in Christchurch, Ms Winsome Dormer, took part in a demonstration against the ongoing Russian aggression. Krzysztof Pawlikowski, president of the SPK Christchurch Branch, delivered a speech on behalf of the local Polish community.