The Polish Association in New Zealand is a democratic, non-party, non-political and charitable organisation, embracing cultural, benevolent and philanthropic activities. Over 70 years ago the members of the Polish Association agreed to pursue certain objectives. With only small amendments, today these objectives continue to guide the things we do.
Our objectives:
To promote closer understanding and friendship with Polish and New Zealand peoples.
To provide suitable amenities for recreational, sporting and cultural activities in New Zealand.
To organise and encourage members participating in social support programs for solitary elderly persons.
To promote a wider interest in Polish culture to enable greater appreciation of the merits of cultural diversity in New Zealand.
To participate in charitable activities in New Zealand and render assistance to other organisations and individuals, particularly those involved in youth, cultural, religious activities, and care of the aged and sick.
To maintain contact with Poland and with other similar organisations in New Zealand and Polish communities in other countries.
To meet these objectives we do the following:
We maintain groups that cater to Polish interests and the needs of the Polish community. These include three Polish folkloric dance groups catering for different age groups, a Parents’ Group focused on the needs of our children, and Polish Professionals New Zealand, a group connecting 380 Polish professionals via social media. New ideas are always welcome.
We keep the community connected through Wiadomości Polskie (10 editions per year), our website and social media sites. These platforms also support our groups by promoting their activities.
We organise or support (directly or via our groups) events celebrating or commemorating important Polish dates and traditions like Polish Independence Day, Mikołajki, Katyn and ANZAC Day, Polish Constitution Day, Dzień Dziecka and the pilgrimage to the statue of Our Lady in Paraparaumu, as well as others.
We organise (again either directly or via our groups) other community gatherings like the annual Polish Summer Camp, Polish Picnic, fundraisers,, as well as magnificent concerts like Orlęta’s Kopciuszek, or Polish Folkloric Variations featuring Polonus from Christchurch, together with our own Orlęta and Orzeł dance groups.
We maintain the Dom Polski, with its hall, library and meeting room, and classrooms. This significant community asset provides a place for our community to come together. The Dom Polski enables the Association to maintain a library and archives of historical importance, and to support its groups by providing them with a place to meet, rehearse, store costumes, celebrate, fundraise, share skills and learn. When not in use by the community, hire fees support the Association’s work.
We maintain relationships with relevant central and local government agencies and other Wellington-based ethnic communities.
We organise and participate in events that bring the Polish community and its culture to the world around it. These include the Polish Festival, the Wellington Polish Christmas Market, as well as participation in the Newtown Festival and numerous other multicultural events.
