projects
Since 1990, the Foundation has been active in supporting and creating a whole range of initiatives. Some of the highlights include:
Tasman's Legacy
by Hank Schouten, which focuses on the achievements of the Dutch in New Zealand from Abel Tasman through to the current century. The first and the second print runs have completely sold out. Copies were provided free to all secondary schools
Essay competition
for secondary students. The 10 most meritorious essays have been collected and published in book form called "A New Land". Special price $5 incl. GST and P&P within New Zealand. Order from info@netherlandsfoundation.org.nz
University Exchange Programme
between the University of Groningen and Victoria University which sees up to eight exchanges each way per year. See www.vuw.ac.nz/international/exchange
Oral History Project
which has already gathered 26 90 minute interviews of first generation Dutch immigrants and has a further 21 tapes of second generation Dutch New Zealanders of note. The tapes are held by the Alexander Turnbull Library at the National Library, Wellington.
Cultural and Performance
Visits including the Dutch Swing College Band, the Groningen Guitar Duo, The Loeki Stardust Recorder Quartet and The Unexpected Artists Ceramics of the 20th Century, among many others.
Dutch Community Exhibition at Te Papa
A major appreciation of the contribution of Dutch settlers over the last 50 years was shown in the exhibition “Nieuw Zeeland – going Dutch” at “Te Papa Tongarewa” from 26 August 2000. It was so successful that it was extended by half a year. It closed on 26 August 2002,having attracted over 877,600 visitors. It was particularly popular with first time visitors to Te Papa.
“The Merchant of the Zeehaen"
by Grahame Anderson is a ground-breaking book of Tasman’s voyages of exploration of Australia and New Zealand, in the context of the VOC and the state of knowledge at that time. The author’s painstaking research, using Isaac Gilseman’s meticulous drawings, helped him to determine the exact location of Abel Tasman’s ships in New Zealand on 21 December 1642. A nautical detective story. The Foundation financially supported the book. It was launched on 11 May 2001 and is available from the Te Papa Store, via www.tepapa.govt.nz
Saint Nicholas Celebration
on 8 December 2001. This special day for the children was celebrated at Te Papa on Sunday, the 8th of December 2001, in association with the Wellington Dutch Society. Some 3000 people attended this most successful event.
Remembrance Ceremony
on 4 May 2002 to commemorate those who lost their lives in the 2nd World War and subsequent wars was held on the traditional “Herdenkingsdag”, the 4th of May. The moving ceremony was held at Te Papa and was attended by our Patron, the Governor General of New Zealand, Dame Silvia Cartwright.
“Inheriting the Netherlands”
in 2001. This exhibition of the works of Dutch artists living in New Zealand was held in Hamilton from 10 March-27 April, and at Te Papa from 5 May-14 October 2001.
A Remembrance Ceremony
on 4 May 2005 was held in Te Awamutu to coincide with the premiere of the play “The Diary of Anne Frank”, produced by Zeeland Productions. At the Commemoration Ceremony, HE Mrs Rasha ter Braack, the Netherlands Ambassador and Vice Patron of the Foundation spoke, as well as the Mayor of Waipa, Mr Alan Livingston. The Ceremony was attended by members of the Royal Dutch Marines, many RSA service men, as well as members of the Territorial Army. Mr Ru de Monchy, Chairman of the Foundation complimented District Council staff on their splendid organisation.
“The Diary of Anne Frank”
was produced by Zeeland Productions in 2005. The play has been performed throughout the North Island by the theater group "De Plankeniers" to commemorate the 60th year of the liberation of the Netherlands. It brought back many memories among older Dutch generations who could pass on their experiences to younger generations. The play has been very well received by appreciative audiences.