Dutch heritage in New Zealand
The Dutch Culture in New Zealand does not have a high profile. Each successive generation has lost some of their traditions and some traditions have become kiwified so that the cultural origins of many activites are blurred.
There are pockets of interest and some organisations set up to either retain the traditions or foster an interest in it, but our research has found that there is no real "Dutch/Kiwi" identity or any national celebration of traditional Dutch activities.
The pages in this section highlight some of the activities celebrated in the Netherlands. How they are celebrated in New Zealand is for you to tell us... send us an email about what you are doing and where and when you are doing it...
The Netherlands Queen's official birthday (Queen's Day, Koninginnedag) is celebrated each year with parties, street markets, concerts and special events for the royal family on April 30 or on April 29 if the 30th is a Sunday. Read more about Koninginnedag
In Dutch the day is called Dodenherdenking and is held annually on May 4. Read more about Remembrance of the Dead
In Dutch the day is called Bevrijdingsdag and is celebrated each year on May 5th, to mark the end of the occupation by Nazi Germany during World War II. Read more about Liberation Day
In the Netherlands in mid-November Dutch television broadcasts the official arrival of St. Nicholas and his helper Zwarte Piet. Coming by steamer from Spain, each year they dock in the harbor of a different city or village. Wearing traditional bishop's robes, Sinterklaas rides into town on a white horse to be greeted by the mayor. A motorcade and a brass band begin a great parade which leads Sinterklaas and his Piets through the town. Read more about Sinterklaas
Many of the games played in the Netherlands have found their way into New Zealand "games" culture. Read more about Dutch games
