Polish–New Zealand Spring Gathering at Rongomaraeroa Peace Walk

Join us for a special spring gathering and picnic among the cherry blossoms at the beautiful Rongomaraeroa Peace Walk, initiated by the Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Christchurch, Diane Winsome Dormer.

Created by Fiona, Lady Elworthy and her family in memory of Sir Peter Elworthy, Rongomaraeroa — The Long Pathway to Peace — is a place dedicated to remembrance, reflection and community. Its avenue of cherry trees is normally at its most beautiful in late September, making it a particularly fitting setting for this Polish–New Zealand gathering.

At 11:00 am, we will gather beneath the Monte Cassino Tree, where the ceremony will begin with a mihi whakatau — a formal Māori welcome — before reflecting on the long and remarkable relationship between Poland and New Zealand. We will hear from Dr Zbigniew Popławski, one of the surviving Polish Children of Pahiatua and Honorary Consul General Winsome Dormer.