NEWSLETTER No 26

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF IN NEW ZEALAND

UNUSUAL TIMES May 2020

While most of us have been spending more Polish Embassy in Wellington has faced its In this issue: time at home, we encourage all of you to take biggest consular challenge in history. Since the POLISH RESPONSE TO COVID -19 2 this opportunity and explore Poland using nu- introduction of various border restrictions POLISH BUSINESS PLATFORM 2 merous valuable online resources - see some around the world, including New Zealand and 80 YEARS AFTER KATYŃ 3 links in this issue. the Pacific Islands, we have assisted with the 1945 IN POLISH HISTORY 3

Great prizes are offered in the competition "My repatriation - either by commercial flights or REFLECTIONS ON VE DAY 3 most interesting online meeting with Poland" with the help of our colleagues from the Euro- WW2 MUSEUM VISITS NZ 4 for the younger audience. Have a look at the pean Union countries - hundreds of Polish na- MONTE CASSINO REMEMBERED 4 last page. tionals. Even though we were not able to commemo- We would also like to extend our thanks to all JOIN „L IFE AFTER PAHIATUA ” 4 rate many of the beautiful as well as sombre of those New Zealand -based wonderful Polish WAITANGI DAY 2020 5 anniversaries, we have acknowledged them. people - including Polish Associations mem- AMBASSADOR IN TONGA 5 You will find more details on the next pages. bers, Honorary Consuls, a Polish doctor and MAY 2020 ANNIVERSARIES 6 Some of the events, such as Katyń Massacre many others - who supported us and their POLONIA 4 NEIGHBOURS 6 commemorations have been postponed while countrymen in this unusual time. PADEREWSKI ’S NZ STORY AWARD 7 our annual reception celebrating Poland’s 3 Following the New Zealand approach, we have JOHN PAUL 2’ S LEGACY 7 May Constitutions had to be cancelled. united against Covid -19. Thank you! POLAND AT YOUR HOME 8 In the mid -March to mid -April period, the COMPETITION ! 8

#SOLIDARITY PL

The Polish government's response to the Covid - thousands of litres of Trisept Complex disinfect- 19 crisis yielded positive results overall. This is ant were dispatched from . Recently due to several factors. The Polish authorities Poland sent a transport of protective masks and decided to react swiftly and introduce tough disinfectants to Albania, Bosnia and Herze- measures. The plan to prepare the country for govina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia the Covid -19 crisis was adopted by the govern- and . ment even before the first case appeared. More In March and April, the Chancellery of the about it on the next page. Polish Prime Minister and LOT Polish Airlines Poland is contributing in supporting other coun- ran the #LotDoDomu (LOT flies back home) tries, regions and cities, stretching out a helping operation. It was one of the largest operations in hand. Poland has sent a dedicated team of 15 the history of the Polish diplomatic and consular Polish doctors and paramedics, certified by the services and the LOT company. It brought back WHO, to a field hospital in Brescia, Lombardy, home more than 55,000 Poles on board of one of the most affected areas in Italy. 8 doctors Polish planes. We also helped more than 2,000 have flown to Kyrgyzstan to participate in the other travelers come back home, among them medical mission of the Polish Center for Inter- nationals of the EU, US, Japan, Canada, Aus- national Aid. Also, a team of doctors from the tralia, Ukraine, Great Britain, Turkey, and South Military Medical Institute in Warsaw was sent Korea. Also, under the UCPM system, Poland to Chicago to aid their American colleagues. ran an evacuation flight with 30 Polish and 110 Another group of medics headed for Slovenia. EU countries citizens on board from Marrakesh As a gesture of friendship and solidarity, in to Warsaw via Berlin. Poland offered citizens of April we sent transport carrying medical sup- Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania ferries and dedi- plies to Italy and Spain. Together with the state - cated trains as well as convoys of 800 vehicles owned Polfa Tarchomin S.A. company, tens of to ensure their safe journey home. NEWSLETTER No 26

POLAND’S RESPONSE TO COVID-19

Unlike most Western European coun- down. Nurseries and preschools tries, which saw the exponential spread throughout the country have been given of the Covid -19 virus in its first stage, the green light to resume operations. Poland has so far experienced a linear Poland has also reopened outdoor progression of the epidemic. As of May sports areas and allowed football mat- POLAND ’S RATINGS AFFIRMED ; O UTLOOK 26, the country had 22,074 diagnosed ches to be played behind closed doors. STABLE International ratings agency S&P Global has af- cases, with 10,020 people recovered Beauty and hair studios, restaurants, firmed Poland's "A-" long-term foreign-currency and 1,024 deaths. bars and cafes were allowed to reopen credit rating, with a stable outlook, de- The first infection was confirmed by to customers at the beginning of last spite the coronavirus pandemic. It cited Poland's “diversified economy, European Union member- the Polish authorities on March 4, whi- week. Polish elementary schools began ship and manageable levels of public and private le the country's first coronavirus fatali- reopening to young children recently as debt” as the rationale for the rating action. ty was announced on March 12. Poland the country lifted more COVID -19 Meanwhile, ratings agency Fitch at the end of last month affirmed Poland's "A-" credit rating with a has since declared a "state of epidemic" safety measures. Meanwhile, regular stable outlook, citing the country’s “strong mac- and temporarily closed its borders to classes at all levels of Polish schools roeconomic fundamentals, and a relatively sound non -residents in a move to curb the remain suspended. policy framework, coupled with EU member- ship.” spread of the illness. International sche- In order to mitigate the economic con- The Moody's ratings agency in mid-March kept duled flights and passenger rail connec- sequences of COVID -19, the Govern- Poland's rating unchanged at "A2" with a stable outlook. tions were suspended on March 15. ment introduced the „Anti -Crisis In another move to contain the spread Shield” bill introducing a range of eco- of the COVID -19 epidemic, the nomic measures aimed at limiting the government banned public gatherings scale of adverse market effects resul- and closed all pubs, clubs and restau- ting from the epidemic status. The re- rants. Health and government officials lief package includes, among others, urged Poles to stay home and practice changes in employment law (i.e. ena- social distancing. bling remote working, holiday regula- People have been ordered to wear ma- tions) and tax obligations, cash support sks or other face coverings when out in plans with the Financial Shield and public. Guaranteed Employee Benefit Fund, Some restrictions were relaxed last social security relief, support for self - month, and hotels and shopping employed, postponed deadlines, favou- malls were allowed to reopen in early rable rules for tourism sector, exten- May as the country moved to the next sions of residence visas and many mo- phase of easing its coronavirus lock- re. Registered unemployment rate in Poland POLISH BUSINESS DURING PANDEMIC in April 2020 amounted to 5,8% and was higher than in March 2020 (5,4%). Accor- Poland's Foreign Ministry has well as technology companies but ding to the flash estimate, GDP in volume launched the “Anti -Covid Offer by other industries are also welcome terms seasonally unadjusted was higher by Polish Business” web- to join by sending their business 1,9% YoY in the 1st quarter of 2020. site promoting Polish companies' offer to the Foreign Ministry. products and services on interna- See examples of products and solu- tional markets in the times of epi- tions offered by Polish entrepre- demic. neurs and researchers which can The platform currently features help better respond to the Corona- producers of food, medical equip- virus crisis and its impact: https:// ment, pharmaceuticals, personal www.gov.pl/web/diplomacy/anti - protection and hygiene products as covid -offer -by -polish -business 2 NEWSLETTER No 26

KATYŃ MASSACRE REMEMBERED “My father was highly educated and in those days in Poland, men with higher education became officers in the army. When the NKVD arrived at our Following the Soviet inva- families in New Zealand house, they knew everything about him. My father knew exactly what was happen- ing. He knew he would not be back. He took off his wedding ring, gave it to mum, sion of Poland on September who lost their loved ones in and said, ‘I give you your freedom back.” 17, 1939, about 250,000 the Katyń Massacre. In the „It was the last time she saw him. He saw how much Warsaw was bom- soldiers, including over 80th anniversary of those bed. She told me that he took out a very expensive fountain pen, a gift, and wrote down something. My mum promised my uncle that he would be her first child’s godfa- 10,000 officers, were taken tragic events in remote Rus- ther. That’s why my brother never had a baptism. She kept waiting for my uncle to captive. In the spring of sian locations, Turkiewicz, be the godfather; she kept the hope that he was living, that they would find him.” 1940, NKVD officers exe- Miotk, Jarka, Schwieters & „The Soviet soldiers bundled Stanisław’s family onto a truck bound for the city railway station, then onto a cattle train, to a kolkhoz in northern Kazakh- cuted about 22,000 Polish Popławski Families shared stan. Jadwiga and Jan survived, escaped the USSR in 1942 with the help of a Po- citizens detained in camps their memories, testimonies, lish army formed in , and arrived in New Zealand with 731 other Polish and in prisons on Soviet photographs and documents children and their 105 caregivers.” „Wisia: “It was quite horrific to be near it all, in the forest, the trees… territory, including Katyń, in the project initiated by the painful. I remember the house by the garden where the officers were before they were Kyiv, Kharkiv, Minsk and Polish Embassy. Details: taken out and shot. But there has never been hatred in our hearts. There has been pain and prayer, but not hatred.” Kalinin. https:// “Our name was on the Russian deportation list for three reasons - my In her lastest presentation, polishhistorynewzea- father’s position as a banker and an in the reserves, and my mother’s family’s Barbara Scrivens recollects land.org/katyn -the - long history of anti-Russian resistance. Her grandparents and their family had previously been deported to Siberia, and her father had fought against the Russians stories told by the Polish unspeakable -crime/ in WWI.” Excerpts from „Katyń - The Unspeakable Crime” When the defeated the Third Reich, contrary to other Allies in 1945, it did not bring freedom to Central and Eastern Europe, including Poland, but imposed another period of 1945 IN POLISH HISTORY enslavement that lasted almost 50 years. (…) The totalitarian communist system imposed on the Poles led to violent sovietisation Victory over Nazi totali- meaning of 1945 in the and terror aimed at both civilians and members of the Underground Poland. In the years 1944- tarian regime did not Polish history in his 1945, when the territory of Poland saw one regime replace another, Polish communists and their bring Central and East- latest article published Soviet mentors took over persecution and torture sites previously used by the Germans – and set up new ones. To understand the true face of the so-called liberation, one should remember, that at ern Europe, including in the New Zealand the very same time in January 1945 when the surviving inmates of Auschwitz were being released Poland, the longed -for International Review in full view of the cameras, the NKVD, now running Majdanek (Lublin), were secretly filling it freedom. It was separat- (Vol 45, No 3 May/June with another set of inmates regarded by Stalin as traitors and spies. This time, the ex-Nazi German camp housed Polish war-time patriots, thousands of members of Poland’s wartime re- ed from the democratic 2020). It is available on sistance, the (AK), who were allies of the Western powers. Many of these resistance world by the Iron Cur- the Embassy’s website: fighters were Britain’s allies, inspired by democratic ideals and flown into Poland in 1942-1943 by Britain’s Special Operations Executive (SOE). (…) tain and remained under https://www.gov.pl/ Zbigniew Gniatkowski, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to New Zealand „1945: the rule of the Soviet web/newzealand/polish - Liberation without freedom” Union until 1989. ambassador -reflects -on - Ambassador Z. Gniat- significance -of -1945 -in - kowski reflects on the polands -history

The deadliest war in European history ended 75 years ago on 8 May 1945. For me, it’s an anniversary that brings home the intertwined personal and universal dimensions of what “Victory in Europe” meant. (…) Despite its mixed legacies, VE Day remains a date to celebrate. It was vital for the world to defeat Nazi tyranny, even if a crucial REFLECTIONS ON VE DAY ally in that cause, Stalin’s Soviet Union, then imposed another totalitarianism over Central and Eastern Europe for over four Read a personal reflection on the highest military decoration. Prof. decades. That darker postscript of VE Day needs to be remem- Victory in Europe Day by Emeri- Rabel is currently a Visiting Pro- bered too, but it does not detract from the monumental importan- ce of ending the bloodbath that was World War II in Europe. tus Prof. Roberto Rabel, a son of fessor at the University of War- (…) Jerzy Rabel, one of Warsaw de- saw. Full article: https:// For Poland, VE Day in 1945 left scars and suppressed secrets fenders, who after the Uprising www.newsroom.co.nz/2020/05/0 that lasted for years. Amongst the most ignominious was the concealment (with the prolonged complicity of the Western Allies) moved to New Zealand and for 8/1162271/ve -day -75 -years -on -a of the murder at Stalin’s orders of 22,000 Polish military officers his efforts received the War Or- -personal -reflection -from - and intelligentsia in 1940 at Katyn and other locations. (…) Emeritus Professor Roberto Rabel, Professorial Fellow at the 3 der of Virtuti Militari, Poland's warsaw Centre for Strategic Studies, Victoria University of Wellington NEWSLETTER No 26

2nd WORLD WAR MUSEUM VISITS NEW ZEALAND

Delegation from the Second World War Muse- public of Poland. The event was opened by the um in Gdańsk visited New Zealand on 10 -13 National Librarian Bill Macnaught and the February. guests were welcomed by Ambassador Zbig- In Auckland representatives of the Polish Muse- niew Gniatkowski. After the lecture, a lively um visited the Auckland Museum as well as the Q&A session took place. It was moderated by Maritime Museum. In Howick, the delegation Prof. Roberto Rabel (Professor Emeritus of the met with and interviewed the founder of the University of Victoria in Wellington). Polish Heritage Museum, John Roy - A meeting with the local Polish community Wojciechowski, one of the Polish Pahiatua took place at the Wellington's Polish House, Children. The second interview was conducted where Director K. Nawrocki and dr hab. K. with Malwina (Wisia) Schwieters whose family Polejowski gave lectures. In Wellington the was deported on April 13, 1940. A meeting delegation of the Museum of the Second World with the Polish Diaspora was held at the Polish War met with representatives of the National House in Auckland with lectures and presenta- Archives and National Library of New Zealand, tions delivered by the delegates. Te Papa National Museum, the National War In Wellington, the highlight of the program Memorial and the Holocaust Center. was lecture "The Rise of Evil. Fighting and Among the Wellington interviewees of the staff Suffering" delivered by Director K. Nawrocki at of the Film Documentation Department of the the National Library of New Zealand, followed Museum were 6 witnesses to history known as by the viewing of the exhibition" Fighting and Polish Pahiatua Children: K. Tomaszyk, S. Suffering "prepared by the Museum together Manterys, Z. Lepionka, J. Zawada and Z. & S. with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Re- Januszkiewicz.

LIFE AFTER PAHIATUA

The Polish Embassy has estab- can write the biography for you: lished the “Life After Pahiatua” surveymonkey.com/r/ MONTE CASSINO 76 YEARS ON project to commemorate and KDMCYPR honour the Pahiatua children and Have a look at the gallery: On 18 May the 76th an- also very costly for the 28th the enormous contribution they https://www.gov.pl/web/ niversary of the Battle of Maori Battalion. made, through sheer character newzealand/life -after -pahiatua --- Monte Cassino was com- Monte Cassino Battle fetu- and hard work, to the country presentation -on -pahiatua -polish - memorated. The Battle is res in the Embassy’s pre- that looked after them in their children often seen as one of the sentation released last year, time of greatest need. We look milestones in our bilateral among other Polish and Life After Pahiatua is a gallery forward to Polish - New Zea- New Zealand initiatives of of short one -page biographies of hearing land history and joint effort WW2 aimed at supporting their lives after they left the Pa- from you! during World War II. Cas- each other’s peoples. hiatua camp and we invite you to sino fell on 18 May 1944 to https://www.gov.pl/web/ include your parents or grandpar- Polish troops - the Second newzealand/presentation - ents. Polish Corps led by General showing -polish -- new - To make it easy to contribute, Władysław Anders, with zealand -joint -forces -and - you can simply answer 8 ques- support from New Zealand initiatives -during -ww2 tions on Survey Monkey and we artillery. The Battle was 4 NEWSLETTER No 26

WAITANGI DAY 2020

Polish Ambassador Zbigniew Gniatkowski and the Beat the Retreat ceremony was participated in the official commemora- dedicated to the contribution of Maori tions of Waitangi Day. This year marks soldiers to the armed effort of the New the 180th anniversary of the signing of Zealand army in the 20th century. The Waitangi Treaty by the British Crown and Maori Battalion fought at the Battle of Maori tribe, which is seen as the founding Monte Cassino, among others, next to the document of New Zealand. Polish 2nd Corps soldiers under the com- The celebrations on February 4 -6, created mand of General Władysław Anders. Dur- an opportunity for informal talks with the ing the ceremony, Ambassador Gniatkow- Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters ski met with the Monte Cassino veteran and Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy. Robert Gillies. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and More than 50 heads of diplomatic mis- the Government Ministers also participat- sions from Wellington, Canberra, and as ed in the Waitangi events. far as Tokyo took part in this year's Wai- On February 5, the Museum of the 28th tangi Day programme prepared by the Maori Battalion was opened in Waitangi, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Every year on Waitangi Day people of all NZ communi- ties and backgrounds gather at Waitangi to commemorate the first signing of New Zealand’s founding document: Te Tiriti o Waitangi, The Treaty of Waitangi, on February 6 1840. Waitangi Day is recognised as New Zealand’s national day and is the most important marker in the country’s history. It has been a significant day on New Zealand’s calendar since the Treaty was first signed in 1840. The flagstaff which stands on the upper Treaty Grounds marks the loca- tion of the first Treaty signing by representatives of the British Crown and over 40 local rangatira (tribal leaders) on 6 February 1840. https://www.waitangi.org.nz/whats-on/waitangi-day/ AMBASSADOR VISITS TONGA

On 9 -12 March, Polish Ambassador Z. Gniat- rently being developed in Nuku’alofa region. kowski paid a visit to the Kingdom of Tonga. Meetings took place with representatives of Ambassador was received by Tongan Prime the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Minister Hon. Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa. He also Public Enterprise (responsible for waste man- met with the Secretary for Foreign Affairs agement). In the engagement with Tonga Viliami Malolo. Youth Parliament, Ambassador Z. Gniatkow- While in Tonga the Ambassador was accom- ski and P. Grzybowski participated in man- panied by Piotr Grzybowski, PhD Engineer of grove seedlings planting initiative at ‘Ahau the Warsaw University of Technology and aiming to protect environment and highlight- together they visited a number of agencies ing importance of mitigation. responsible for climate change and environ- Ambassador of Poland met with academics ment. Talks were held with the Pacific Centre and students of the University of the South for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Pacific in Nuku’alofa, where he delivered a as well as the Ministry responsible for Ener- public talk “ Poland - member of the UN and gy, Disaster Management, Environment and the EU. What Poland is today”. Climate Change. Polish delegates had an op- Poland established diplomatic relations with portunity to visit EU -financed projects cur- the Kingdom of Tonga in 2016. 5 „(...) New Zealand and Poland share a modern and dynamic friendship NEWSLETTER No 26 built on more than 150 years of con- tact, including through migration and MAY 2020 ANNIVERSARIES close people to people connections. New Zealand and Poland also share On 1 May 2004, Poland together with the Czech a firm commitment to upholding inter- Republic, Slovakia, , Lithuania. Latvia, national peace and security, human Estonia, Slovenia, Cyprus and Malta joined the rights and democracy. Indeed, in a EU family. The 2004 enlargement was the big- world increasingly beset by uncertain- gest in the Union’s history. Poland’s transfor- ties, partnerships such as those betwe- mation and development recorded since is a Eu- en New Zealand and the countries of ropean success story. Poland's EU membership the European Union – anchored in strengthens the country’s international standing shared history, values and aspirations and brings economic, political and social bene- – assume even greater importance. fits. It also strengthens the European Union. We look forward to continuing to “On the occasion of build on our bilateral political, trade, Polish Diaspora and On 2 May we observed the Day of the Polish Flag and also cultural, and community links in the Poles Abroad Day as Polish Diaspora and Poles Abroad Day. It was established to well as the Constitution years to come.(...)” Day of 3 May, I wish recognise the long -standing achievements and contributions of Rob Taylor, Deputy Secretary to express my very best the Polish Diaspora in helping Poland regain its independence, MFAT wishes of good health, to acknowledge their attachment to the Polish identity and safety and perseverance their assistance to the homeland in times of need. in jointly overcoming the temporary difficulties Taking this opportunity, the Polish Embassy sends gratitude associated with the towards all the Polish associations, organisations and individu- pandemic. al Poles and members of the Polish Community in New Zea- I wish you many suc- cesses, while being con- land for your fruitful cooperation and continuous support! vinced that your close contact with Poland will invariably remain On 3 May the 229th anniversary of Poland’s first modern Constitution of 3 May was commemorated. Alt- a source of pride, hon- hough we were not able to organise a special annual celebrations this year, we acknowledged a very good our and inspiration for state of Poland -New Zealand bilateral relations including political, cultural and academic cooperation and further actions.” Polish Ambassador good performance of our mutual trade. Additionally, the Polish Ambassador addressed the Polish Commu- Zbigniew Gniatkow- nity in New Zealand. Also on this occasion, a letter was received from the Deputy Secretary at the New ski in his letter ad- dressed to the Polish Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Rob Taylor. Community in New Adopted on 3 May 1791 in Warsaw by the of the Polish Republic (later known as the Great Sejm), Zealand the Polish Constitution was Europe’s first and the world’s second modern constitution. #Polonia4Neighbours PROJECT

Since the outbreak of the pandemic numer- doctors working in hospitals all over the ous Polish community organisations, scout- world are involved in the selfless fight ing and school associations, as well as against the pandemic. churches have joined their local initiatives We have seen many examples of communi- “This extraordinary time calls for or came up with their own activities to help ty support also in New Zealand, with offer- extraordinary attitude and actions. Today, more than ever, we need to others and support their home countries. ing shelters to the stranded Polish tourists, stay united and help each other.” In Canada, the Canadian Polish Congress sending support appeals or through a Polish Poland’s Deputy Foreign Minister called on all organisations to support doctor offering medical services required while thanking the Polish communi- ty in the world for their commit- neighbours and lend a hand. In Germany, for a safe return to Poland to numerous ment to the Polonia4Neighbours volunteers from the Polish Catholic Mis- Polish visitors. project sion organise assistance on the ground and We would like to thank all Poles in New work emergency shifts. In Iceland, Poles Zealand who have engaged in helping oth- support local health workers, including ers and we also encourage everyone to join emergency medical services. Many Polish the Polonia4Neighbours project. 6 NEWSLETTER No 26

PADEREWSKI ON THE WINNING SIDE AGAIN

In early March, Jacek Drecki from Auckland visited Warsaw to participate in the award giv- ing ceremony in the contest organised by Poland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs for the best foreign language publication promoting the . He shared his personal reflections with us in the below article.

On Monday, 9 March 2020 I had the privilege of accepting an award felt powerless in facing often skewed or misinformed historical narra- from Mr Jacek Czaputowicz, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Repub- tive prevailing in the counties they have settled in. lic of Poland for the book , A Pianist Amidst Also in 2016, the Historical Contest of the Minister of Foreign Affairs the Geysers. The book was awarded third place in a historical contest for the best publications promoting Polish history and the history of organised by the Ministry and I was invited to come to Warsaw and Polish diplomacy was announced. The decision to include books pub- receive the award. lished in foreign languages not only embraced the authors living out- The story of the book had its beginning with a gift of Ignacy Jan Pade- side Poland and provided means for their work to be recognised, but rewski’ Memoirs I received from Mrs Helena Presch, a Lwów -born also gave an encouragement to write about Polish history so that it Aucklander. Intrigued by Paderewski’s brief description of his visits can be easily understood by foreigners. All these developments to New Zealand, I did my own research and discovered many charm- demonstrate that the promotion of Polish history became officially ing stories associated with his concert tours, but also his serendipi- one of the Ministry’s priorities. tous holidays. I decided to share these stories in a book which was The results of the most recent foreign language book contest were eventually published in June 2018 by Quo Vadis Publications in Auck- announced in March 2020. The winner, Jakub Wiącek, came from land. and his book follows the history of General Maczek and his It was a welcome and fitting coincidence that the book about a num- Tank Division during the World War 2. Second place was awarded to ber of Antipodean episodes from the life of the great pianist, who Adam Koch from Australia, for a book about Captain . became the key figure in Poland’s 1918 successful struggle to regain My book dedicated to Ignacy Jan Paderewski and his visits to New independence, was published in the year of centennial celebrations of Zealand was awarded third place. At the ceremony, Minister Czaputo- that historical moment. As a politician, Paderewski managed to suc- wicz pointed out that the book about Paderewski was a good example cessfully use the enormous potential of his compatriots, mostly from of presenting Polish history in the context of the country the book was America, to promote the Polish cause and win international support published in. to re -establish the Polish state at the conclusion of World War 1. I would like to congratulate the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for organ- However, only recently and well after the collapse of communist rule, ising the contest. I am very grateful to the staff of the Polish Embassy the Polish diplomacy is reaching out to take advantage of the same in Wellington for forwarding me the information about the contest; potential. In 2016, a substantial change was announced without it, I would have no opportunity to participate in the expose of the Minister of Foreign Affairs prioritis- and become a laureate. I would like to thank the staff of ing cooperation and partnerships with Poles living the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Polish Press abroad, as well as providing additional funding for Agency for receiving me as a guest for a few days in Polish Institutes, Embassies and Consulates to facilitate Warsaw and organising the most interesting visits to the such purpose. The Minister announced, that additional Katyń Museum, the , and the new- attention would be paid to the Polish historical diploma- ly opened Museum of Pope John Paul II and Primate cy, the part of diplomacy responsible for explaining, pro- Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński. My special visit to the Cen- moting and defending the truth about history of our na- tral Archives of Modern Records, where a lot of Pade- tion. For decades, this part of diplomacy was particularly rewski documents are held, was also facilitated by the neglected, by purpose, incompetence or oversight, that Ministry. The awarded book keeps the Ignacy Jan Pade- resulted in many misunderstandings in foreign relations. rewski story alive and proves that he continues to be on The new policy has been particularly welcomed by Polish the winning side, again. communities scattered around the world, who knew the truth about Polish history through lived experience and Jacek Drecki, 17/5/2020

JOHN PAUL II’s LEGACY

On 18 May we commemorated the 100 th birth John Paul II had a special connection with young anniversary of Karol Wojtyła, later Pope John people. In 1984, he invited them to pray with him Paul II, saint of the Catholic Church. For Poland, in Rome. A year later the 1 st World Youth he was "our" Pope, for the world, a pilgrim of Day was held. JP2 was the first pope in history to peace and freedom, an advocate of dialogue, the pray at a synagogue and a mosque. Having consi- pope of the youth, and a great admirer of culture. dered advancing peace in the world as one of his John Paul II, himself a philosopher, poet and ac- pastoral duties, he proclaimed the respect for Hu- tor, often stressed the vital importance of the man Rights as the only road to peace. Caring for work of the people of science and culture and others was for John Paul II right at the core of their contribution to the world peace. He spoke up Christian identity. for individual freedom and for the freedom of the He was the first and so far the only Pope to visit oppressed peoples in Central Europe, including New Zealand. In 1986 he paid brief visits to Auc- 7 his homeland Poland, Africa and America. kland, Wellington and Christchurch. POLAND AT YOUR HOME

Despite the pandemic, the difficult situation and restrictions in many coun- tries where Poles and people of Polish origin live and work, we would like to help – especially children and youth – to stay in touch with our national culture, history and literature. As part of the "Poland at Your Home" campaign, run by Poland’s MFA, we would like to encourage you to take advantage of the online offer of Polish cultural institutions. Take a virtual stroll around various museums and learn unforgettable history lessons courtesy of the Institute of National Remembrance, the Polish History Museum, the Na- tional Museums in Warsaw and Krakow as well as the Museum. Polish students and teachers are also wel- come to explore the educational programme prepared by the Ministry of National Education. Here are just a few recommended ideas. For more visit: https://www.gov.pl/web/diplomacy/poland -at -your -home

MINISTRY OF NATIONAL EDUCATION https://epodreczniki.pl/ POLISH RADIO https://www.polskieradio.pl/395 CENTRAL HOUSE OF TECHNOLOGY https://cdtonline.clickmeeting.com/lekcje -z-cdt NATIONAL MUSEUM IN WARSAW http://www.mnw.art.pl/en/ FRYDERYK CHOPIN INSTITUTE AND MUSEUM https://nifc.pl/en/home/aktualnosci/muzeum/1239/ ADAM MICKIEWICZ INSTITUTE https://culture.pl/en POLONIKA INSTITUTE https://polonika.pl/en/instytute INSTITUTE OF NATIONAL REMEMBRANCE https://ipn.gov.pl/en POLISH HISTORY MUSEUM http://muzhp.pl/en “NIEPODLEGŁA” PROGRAMME https://niepodlegla.gov.pl/en/ THE CENTRE FOR THE THOUGHT OF JOHN PAUL II https://www.centrumjp2.pl/

JOIN THE COMPETITION!

As part of "Poland At Your Home" campaign we would like to invite the Polish community members aged 7 -18 from New Zealand and other countries to take part in the competition "My most interesting online meeting with Poland". Participants are invited to work on a topic of their choice and present their results in writing, drawing or video format . The works should refer to online projects presented in the educational, cultural and historical offer by the Polish institutions and portals. A list of examples and ideas have been made available by Poland’s For- eign Ministry: https://www.gov.pl/web/diplomacy/poland -at -your -home and is being promoted through the Polish Embassy’s social media channels. Participants will be divided into two age categories: 7 - 13 years of age and 13 -18. Competition entries should be submitted in one of three thematic categories: education, culture or history . The first stage of the competition will take place locally in New Zealand. Competition entries should be sent by June 30, 2020 to [email protected] Then the best works in three thematic categories in each age category (in total 6 winning works) will be sent to the Polish Dias- pora Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland. The second stage of the competition will be man- aged by the experts from the Foreign Ministry. The authors of the best works in the older age group will be invited to partici- pate in the "Polska jest w Tobie" 2021 programme (a 2 -week stay in Poland).

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF POLAND IN NEW ZEALAND

tel: (04) 4997844 Level 9, City Chambers fax: (04) 4997846 142 -144 Featherston St [email protected] Wellington www.gov.pl/newzealand

PO Box 10211, Wellington 6143 Feedback & comments: [email protected]

Polish Embassy in Wellington PLinNewZealand