The Story of the Pahiatua Polish Children

The Pahiatua Polish Children’s story is one of courage, compassion, and resilience. It traces a journey that began in the darkest days of World War II and ended with a new life in New Zealand. It’s a tale of survival, community, and the enduring bonds forged between two nations.

A Nation Torn by War

In 1939, Poland was torn apart by the simultaneous invasions of Nazi Germany from the west and the Soviet Union from the east. For many Polish families, this was the beginning of unimaginable hardship. Under Soviet control, hundreds of thousands of Poles were deported to Siberia and other remote regions of the Soviet Union. Entire families were sent to labour camps, where they faced gruelling conditions, hunger, and bitter cold.

When Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, the resulting shift in alliances brought an unexpected opportunity. The Soviet government granted an “amnesty” to Polish deportees, allowing them to leave the camps. Many embarked on an arduous journey south, joining a newly formed Polish army under General Władysław Anders. While the army moved to the Middle East to join Allied efforts, thousands of civilians—mainly women and children—found temporary refuge in Persia (modern-day Iran).

A Long Journey to Safety

From Persia, efforts to find safe havens for these displaced Poles began. Among the nations that stepped forward was New Zealand, a small country on the other side of the world that had already felt the impact of war. The New Zealand government agreed to take in a group of Polish orphans and their caregivers, showing incredible generosity to people they had never met.

In 1944, a group of 733 Polish children and 105 caregivers began their journey to New Zealand. Their voyage, facilitated by Allied efforts, was long and challenging. They travelled by sea aboard the American troopship General Randall, making their way across the Indian Ocean to finally reach New Zealand. When they arrived in Wellington on 1 November 1944, they were greeted warmly, marking the start of their new lives.

Why New Zealand?

New Zealand’s decision to welcome these children wasn’t made in isolation—it was driven by the compassion and advocacy of several key individuals. Janet Fraser, the wife of Prime Minister Peter Fraser, was deeply moved by the plight of displaced Polish children. A staunch humanitarian, Janet lobbied her husband to help, believing firmly in New Zealand’s responsibility to assist.

Her efforts were bolstered by Count Kazimierz Wodzicki, Poland’s Consul-General in Wellington, and his wife, Maria Wodzicka. The Wodzickis worked tirelessly to draw attention to the crisis, with Maria playing a particularly active role. She appealed directly to the New Zealand government, emphasising the urgent need to rescue these children and their potential to thrive in New Zealand.

Together, Janet Fraser and the Wodzickis convinced Peter Fraser to act. The Prime Minister, inspired by their passion and recognising New Zealand’s ability to offer sanctuary, led the government’s decision to provide refuge. This collaboration of empathy and diplomacy set the stage for one of the most extraordinary humanitarian efforts in New Zealand’s history.

Life at Pahiatua

The children and their caregivers were housed in a disused military camp in Pahiatua, a small town in New Zealand’s North Island. The camp quickly adapted to meet the children’s needs and became their home and a place of recovery after years of hardship.

Polish teachers and caregivers ensured the children could continue their education and maintain a connection to their culture. Life at the camp revolved around Polish traditions, language, and religion, preserving a sense of identity for children who had lost so much. At the same time, they began to integrate into New Zealand society, learning English and connecting with local communities.

A Lasting Legacy

The Pahiatua Polish Children’s arrival was more than just an act of wartime compassion—it became a significant part of New Zealand’s history. Many of these children became proud citizens, contributing to their new homeland while holding on to their Polish roots. Their story has deepened the ties between Poland and New Zealand, symbolising what can be achieved when empathy and action come together.

Eighty years on, the legacy of the Pahiatua Polish Children is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of kindness in the face of adversity. It is a story worth retelling—a testament to the enduring impact of compassion across generations.