Sporting contributions

There must be a very competitive streak in the Dutch makeup, as many of the Dutch immigrants and their progeny have made fantastic contributions to the New Zealand sporting ranks.

Dick Quax

New Zealand representative runner - there's more of his story in the book of Tasman's Legacy, in Chapter 18 - Sport.

Eric Verdonk

New Zealand representative rower, and if you find the video of Here to Stay, there is an interview with him you can watch.

Henry Van Asch

More extreme sports than competitive, Henry co-founded AJ Hackett's Bungy Jump which has gone on to global success.

Kees Meeuws

A true hybrid of talent, with a Dutch father and Māori mother, Kees had a distinguished All Black career.

Simon van Velthooven

Recent bronze medallist at the London 2012 Olympic Games, you can read more about him in the Our Stories section.

Yvonne Willering

Netball coach extraordinaire, she coached the Silver Ferns to glory and played at representative level herself. You can read more about her life and career in Tasman's Legacy.