The Deckston Children
Walking through Wellington's older suburbs you notice a lot of interesting looking homes. You wonder who lived there, what stories are hidden behind those walls?
I became aware of the story of this house pictured below in Rintoul street, Berhampore while attending the Yom Hashoah -- Day of Holocaust Remembrance ceremony at the Wellington Jewish Community Centre in Webb street.
After the First World War, a childless couple in Wellington, Max and Annie Deckston, established a Jewish Orphanage at the above address where children could be reared in an atmosphere of peace. The movement started with the immigration of one orphan girl, followed by twelve children in 1935 and a further twelve in 1937.
Most of their families did not survive the Holocaust (HaShoah). Their story has been chosen as the Opening Exhibition of the Holocaust Centre of New Zealand.
For more information:
Race Relations Day
The theme for Race Relations Day this year is Aotearoa A Fair Go for All / Rite tāhi Tatou katoa
We are celebrating in many different ways:
- Multilingual storytime
- Shared morning tea
- Russian Book Club Samavar Tea Party
- Cultural performances
- Students writing their family history
More information on these events will follow soon! (Watch this space, and our libraries' Event Calendar)
How can you contribute?
You may be Tangata Whenua, your family may have been Early Settlers, or you have arrived recently. We'd love to hear your stories. Maybe you want to write them down or maybe you are happy for us to interview you!
Please get in touch, give us a short summary and we will contact you.
Together we grow!
Stories so far:
Race Relations Day 2012 : Our Stories
Meet Éva Kaprinay
Éva and George in Oriental Bay, Wellington
The first time Eva came to New Zealand was 10 years ago for a holiday and to visit George, who she met online. When she returned to Hungary she was sure that she wanted to return to New Zealand despite the challenges. She used to say to friends and family before making the big move "I am a little bit Kiwi but I don't speak English".
In "an unexpected and courageous move" - as she recalls - Eva immigrated permanently to New Zealand in 2004. Since then she has lived in Island Bay with George, who has helped her to settle in. He has first-hand experience with immigration - he arrived from Hungary well before Eva, fleeing the Communist regime in 1956.
A speech therapist, Eva was at first concerned with her career. She was not able to work as a therapist here because of the language barrier, so George encouraged and supported her to explore new activities. "He helped me realise that I had already worked too much in my life so now it was time to enjoy," she says. "Since I couldn't continue in my profession, I had to occupy myself with something else".
Eva is now retired, but she contributes a lot to our community. She is a Volunteer Wellington member and has been an SPCA volunteer for years, fostering kittens until animals are adopted. She is a very active member in the Hungarian Society and helps with the Feszek group (meaning 'nest') which meets monthly to socialise and keep the culture and language alive. She also writes articles for two different magazines in Hungary, one about cats and the other for Hungarian expats.
Eva says during her time here, photography became her favourite hobby. She enjoys capturing local landscapes, animals, plants and people. She walks around the city and photographs what she sees, sometimes hundreds of photos in one day. It could be a place, a moment, a panoramic view, or "anything I consider beautiful, funny or pleasing to the eye. I sometimes call myself a positive paparazzo," says Eva.
George says it is more than a hobby because Eva carries her camera everywhere she goes. "She is always ready like a scout," he says. To which Eva replies "just in case. You never know when I could capture a good moment". Photography is also a good way to meet new people. Eva always introduces herself and asks permission before photographing people. Then she shares the photographs with them online.
Eva's photos can be found online, and they attract viewers from all over the world - allowing others to discover Wellington. "Websites make it easier," she says. "My photo albums have become my diary. My friends and family in Hungary can see what my everyday life in New Zealand is like. At the same time, people who I have never met also get in touch with me because they are interested in the images".
Eva is also delighted about her first solo exhibition - entitled 'Looking Around'. The collection - 12 contemporary panoramic photos from around the Wellington region - are on display at the Colonial Cottage Museum in Nairn Street. And to Eva's surprise, two of the photos were sold on the first day of the exhibition. She welcomes everybody to see her work - it's there until mid-March. It's free, so don't miss it!
(Reproduced with the kind permission of Settlement Support)
Janet Blake sent through:
My great-great grandparents Hector Fraser and Dolina Mclean arrived in New Zealand from Nova Scotia in 1858 on board the ship "Breadalbane". They were part of the great migration from Scotland to Nova Scotia and then on to New Zealand. They, along with 800 other Scots settled in Waipu, Northland.
The migration came about after they were forced to leave the Scottish highlands. The group, lead by Norman McLeod, a Presbyterian Minister, travelled to St Anne, Nova Scotia where they settled for several years. However cold winters, crop failure causing famine and economic depression lead the people to search for more favourable land. Norman McLeod's son sent news of Australia to the settlers, and it was decided they would migrate there.
A group set about building two ships and preparing food for the 5 month journey across the other side of the world. But by the time they arrived in Australia, no land could be found, as the gold rush had put a lot of demand on land. Reverend McLeod looked to New Zealand, and decided the north had the best land and climate for a new settlement.
Put the Kettle On
Background
In March of 2011, Wellington City Libraries hosted a series of "Put the kettle on" events at several branch libraries. The idea was to focus on the social customs and stories surrounding tea and coffee traditions.
It all started with the Dutch group of seniors who have been meeting on Wednesday mornings at the Island Bay Community Centre for many years. We visited to meet with the group and find out their story. The coffee is good and plenty of Dutch delicacies were on offer.
Sessions we hosted included a Chinese Gongfu Cha tea ceremony, an Oromia Ethiopian coffee ceremony, an English high tea, and a Masala tea ceremony.
Photos
Moroccan Hospitality
Background
Ada Nally, the Libraries' Multicultural Community Customer Specialist, says:
I have known Abdel and his wife Zahra for many years now and feel privileged to be invited to their house and listen to their childhood stories. Where did Abdel learn to cook such a wide variety of authentic Moroccan dishes and be so knowledgable about Moroccan hospitality? His secret? His mother taught him all he needs to know!
Watch this video clip and learn more from this very passionate
chef!
In the video clip on the right, Abdelghani shares his love of authentic Moroccan cooking and hospitality. Have a listen!
Photos
Newtown Shopkeepers
Background
Newtown is one of the most exciting, diverse and vibrant communities in Wellington. Newtown's shops and businesses reflect this diversity. From the Halal butcher, Middle Eastern treats, Indian specialities, African fashion, we have it all! We photographed shopkeepers, mechanics, firemen, and asked them why they love their suburb so much. Click on any image below to find out!
Photos
This is a page for you: our Wellington community. The aim of this page is to reflect on local family stories and traditions across all cultures. We value your contributions and comments.
