Polish New Zealanders
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 2,871 (2018) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Auckland Region, Wellington Region, Canterbury region | |
| Languages | |
| New Zealand English · Polish | |
| Religion | |
| Predominantly Roman Catholic |
Polish New Zealanders refers to New Zealand citizens or residents of full or partial Polish ancestry, or Polish citizens living in New Zealand. The 2018 census counted 2,871 New Zealanders who claim Polish ancestry.
History
Small numbers of Polish people began to arrive to New Zealand throughout the 19th century. Among these, many were among the "Brogdenites" employed to build stretches of New Zealand's main railway lines. Many of these settled in small towns close to the rail line such as Greytown (now Allanton) in Otago.
During World War I and World War II, many Polish people became refugees and were relocated to other countries such as New Zealand.
Notable Polish New Zealanders
- John Blumsky
- Mark Blumsky
- Krzysztof Pawlikowski
- Helen Schamroth
- Mirosław Złotkowski
- Simon Mercep
- Count Geoffrey Potocki de Montalk
- Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
