Eighty years ago, on 1 November, 733 Polish children, along with their 102 caregivers, arrived in Wellington aboard the USS General Randall. Their harrowing journey began with their arrest and deportation from Poland by the Russians, continued when they were given refuge in Persia after years of deprivation in labour camps in Siberia and other parts of the Soviet Union, and finshed with their safe arrival in New Zealand. Their journey ended in the quiet country town of Pahiatua, where the camp that had been especially prepared for them, became their first home in New Zealand.

Eighty years later, the children of these children are organising a reunion, not only for the Pahiatua children, but also for their children and subsequent generations. Reunion events will be held in Pahiatua and Wellington.

Please see the Pahiatua Children’s 80th Anniversary page (found at the top of the screen) to see detailed information about the weekend.