introduction
In 1642, Abel Janszoon Tasman was the first European to sight New Zealand. He was the start of the strong bond that has been forged through the centuries between the Netherlands and New Zealand. Even the name of our country reflects this ongoing link.
Today, over 140,000 people of Dutch descent call New Zealand home. Following a surge of immigrants in the 1950’s seeking to build a new life away from their war ravaged homelands, the Dutch have become an important part of New Zealands social, cultural and economic diversity.
Interest in escaping the congestion of Europe and taking advantage of the Kiwi lifestyle continues to be a powerful lure for Dutch people even now. The human contribution that the Netherlands and Dutch New Zealanders have made to New Zealand will continue to grow.
Our Dutch settlers and their descendants are just as proud of their heritage as they are of their adopted home. This led to the formation in 1990 of the New Zealand-Netherlands Foundation (Inc) an Incorporated Society with Charitable Trust Status to celebrate and strengthen the ongoing beneficial effects of the relationship between our two countries.
Last
Updated
04/12/2011
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