G.O.Y.A.N.Z. Greek Orthodox Youth Association of New Zealand

www.goyanz.org.nz Issue No. 16 Christmas 2002 GOYANZ Childrens Christmas Party IN THIS ISSUE Sunday 15th December 2002, Odysseus Hall, Miramar Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way. Oh what fun it is to go to a GOYANZ parta..y! Hey! This was the overwhelming response from the party attendants at the first GOYANZ Christmas party. It was held on Sunday, 15 December at the Odysseus Hall and was attended by Page 3 - Athens 2004 approximately 120 kids and even more adults! For those of you who missed out (with no good excuse) - Tough!! You lost out, because it was a great party. Tricky the Clown entertained the kids for 35 minutes with magic tricks, balloon sculptures, jokes, etc. (don’t know if he’ll ever be the same again or whether he’ll ever be back. He was last seen leaving the premises very fast!) After Tricky, the children and adults were fed to their hearts Page 5 - Music content! Chips, squid rings, chicken nuggets, cherios, etc were eaten by the kg (though I suspect the adults dipped into the children’s food section!). The adults were treated to a little more adult food (taramosalata, little savouries, etc.). And then of course, Vice-President John Serepisos, presented the ‘Brick in the Wall’ campaign which I’m sure each and every one of you who were at the Christmas party will support (remember, we know who you are!). How better to show your appreciation of what GOYANZ does and will do in the future. Santa was a couple of minutes late because he must have hit a red light, but when he finally arrived, Santa was worth Page 10 -28th October the wait as our GOYANZ Santa is as close as you’ll ever get to the real Santa. Lollies went flying and kids’ faces lit up (what’s he got for us this time?!). The presents were a big hit with the kids, especially the Bey Blades (someone’s making a lot of money out of glorified spinning tops) and the Rebel Sports vouchers. I should hope that all the children were pleased with their presents. If any child didn’t get quite what they really wanted we’re sorry but Santa’s little helpers (Chris and V) did the best they could! It’s not easy shopping for 145 children. One little girl however, had her dream come true and also her belief in Father Christmas cemented forever. Little Alexcea Apostolakis wrote a little letter to Father Christmas requesting a Barbie doll, and lo and behold, the GOYANZ Page 15 - Nikos Kazantzakis Santa granted her wish. Her little face lit up, she took a gasp of air, put her hand to her chest and said “Look, he got it for me!” Now doesn’t that just about sum up what Christmas means to kids? It was good to see such a great turnout. Out of 142 registered children, the majority turned up. Only 10 gifts were left uncollected. Some were collected by relatives who were able to provide good excuses as to why the children couldn’t collect in person (chicken pox was a good excuse!) On the whole it was great to see parents and caregivers making the effort to attend. We’d also like to take this opportunity to thank those non GOYANZ committee members who helped the GOYANZ Page 16 - Big Fat Greek Wedding committee put on such a successful party. Thanks to Peter Halikias and George Makris, who as usual managed the kitchen and got us all fed on time! To all who stayed after the party was over and helped clean up, thank you so much!! A huge thank you to Mediterranean Foods for donating all that beautiful tarama (no one makes it like Martha!!) and those big fat juicy Kalamata olives. And a very Merry Xmas thank you to Theo and Karen Doucas (Elements Cafe) for adding variety and sophistication to the lunch. Also special thanks to George Kotrotsos who always helps with food at our functions. Hopefully, next year’s GOYANZ Christmas party will be even better and bigger than this one. We’re already thinking Page 19 - U19s about it!

GOYANZ Xmas Float Sunday 24 November 2002

Page 20 - Buy a Brick

More pictures on page 9 www.goyanz.org.nz

Makara Bus Timetable Information compiled by George Karantze Every month Stagecoach puts on a special bus service for those wanting to visit Makara Cemetery. Welcome to all readers of our final issue for 2002. Some news since Details are: our last issue, has been the successful participation of GOYANZ in the Wellington Xmas parade. The theme this year was Helen of Troy. Bus Departs From Courtenay Place This event provides great exposure for our organisation and I would Departure Time: 1:30pm like to congratulate Chrisanthi, Helen and Vera for their efforts in organising the GOYANZ float. Also a big thank you to all those that Cost: $10 - return trip helped or participated on the day of the parade. The GOYANZ Xmas Dates for 2003 are: 15th January party was also held last weekend at the Odysseus Hall, where over 200 people attended including 120 children. This was a great day 19th February enjoyed by young and old alike. I’m still trying to work out how Vera 19th March & Chrisanthi got hold of all those Bey Blades. Thank you also to the Odysseus Brotherhood for providing the venue. The clubroom project 16th April is under way and if all goes well it should be completed by late March 21st May 2003. Please get involved! We need your help/support. There have been a few negative comments floating around the community about 18th June this project and our role in the community - but I guess you can’t 16th July please everyone. All I can say is that we should all be striving for the same goals - especially focussing on our youth. We need to provide 20th August our children with the opportunity to preserve and develop the Greek 17th September language, culture and Hellenic civilisation for the benefit of wider 15th October New Zealand. We need to act now before it’s too late. The Olympic first team has also been reinstated into the Premier 19th November League for 2003, due to Wairarapa United pulling out - this is good 17th December news. Check us out on-line at: We have big list of events planned for next year - check out the calendar www.goyanz.org.nz or www.olympicafc.org.nz in this issue. Along with these events there will be an updated website rolled out in the second quarter of 2003, courtesy of TBD. The website will reflect the whole of GOYANZ with more general GOYANZ content GOYANZ Youth added. All the soccer information will still be available, just re- Radio Program organised. Finally I would like to wish you and your families a safe, joyful holiday season, and a prosperous and successful New Year. 29th December 2002 Kostandina ΚΑΛΑ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΑ Paul Kotrotsos 5th January 2003 Dana + Stelios Committees 2002 12th January 2003 Peppy GOYANZ: 19th January 2003 Voula + Chrisanthi Paul Kotrotsos (Pres.), John Serepisos (V. Pres.), John Yiappos (Treas.), Chrisanthi Kamberogiannis (Sec.), Stelios Manousakis, , Louiza 26th January 2003 Kostadina Papageorgiou, Helen Neonakis, Penelope Makris, Theo Doucas, Vera 02 February 2003 Peppy Georgiou Olympic: 09 February 2003 Steve Samaras John Serepisos (Pres.), Tasos Babarousos, Peter Zivadinovic, George Neonakis, John Servos. 16th February 2003 Kostandina Netball: 23rd February 2003 Peppy Chrisanthi Kamberogiannis, Vera Georgiou, Voula Halikias Junior Soccer: If anyone is interested in doing a radio show, or if you have a John Serepisos (co-ordinator), George Kotrotosos, Andrew dedication or request, please call Paul Kotrotsos on 387-1110 Antonopoulos, Stathi Apostolakis, George Serepisos, Nick Efstratiou Tune in and listen to the latest Greek music. Ta Matia tou Kosmou: John Serepisos (Editor), Voula Kosmadakis, Stelios Manousakis, Paul Every Sunday at 3.00pm - 4.00pm Kotrotsos, Demetrius Christoforou, Meropi Kafakis, Christina Daglas, on Access Radio, 783 AM Irene Manousakis, Gina & Angela Gouvatsos, Ritsa Magiannis Youth Radio: Τα Ματια Του Κοσµου Paul Kotrotsos, Chrisanthi Kamberogiannis,Peppy Tziakis, Konstandina Karasavas, Gina & Angela Gouvatsos, Christina Daglas, is produced Bi-monthly by GOYANZ Meropi Kafakis PO Box 6257 Wellington GOYANZ/Olympic Website: Layout and design TBD www.tbd.co.nz John Serepisos ([email protected]) Printing Ultracopy www.ultracopy.co.nz

2 www.goyanz.org.nz Preparing for Olympics, Athens Really Digs In

December 1, 2002 summoned. Excavations are undertaken by archaeologists from 25 ATHENS — At the edge of a muddy construction districts throughout . The Central Archeological Council assesses site sits a rectangular, weather-proof box, the size the value of discovered artifacts and makes recommendations about of a trailer. The box, surrounded by a chain-link how to deal with them. The Hellenic Ministry of Culture ultimately fence, remains undisturbed as nearby bulldozers calls the shots. push mounds of red clay and debris, but it will be Plans are often changed. Delays of months are not uncommon. The opened like a giant present when the Summer builder — not the archaeologist — is responsible for picking up the Olympic Games get underway in August 2004. tab. Nobody is expected to complain. The contents of the box will become the centerpiece of the Olympic “It’s a very strict law,” said Panos Protopsaltis, the organizing Village. Inside is a portion of the Roman Emperor Hadrian’s aqueduct committee’s transportation general manager. “Whenever you discover that dates from about 100 A.D. When the Games begin, 10,000 athletes something, you don’t just improvise, you call the archaeologists and will greet something that is 1,900 years old. they come and impose their own rules. We may not like their pace, Throughout Athens, the birthplace of the Games, government and but we respect their mission. This is inevitable.” Olympic officials are rushing to finish some three dozen construction In the case of the equestrian site, some 10 miles southeast of Athens, projects. The partially built venues, highways and railways are intended government officials demanded that plans be revised before a single to bring Athens soaring into the new millennium — preferably in time scoop of earth had been moved to avoid apparent sites of antiquities. for the Summer Games. But even as officials strain to meet deadlines, Even so, archaeologists found the temple, houses, tombs and various they must tiptoe around delicate remnants of the ancient past, tangible items of interest that warranted the commencement of 20 digs. pieces of history that tend to turn up in Greece whenever a shovel Olympic construction eventually resumed — but only where the strikes earth. archaeologists weren’t working. At the equestrian site in Marcopoulo, archeologists found a number At the rowing and sailing site 25 miles outside of Athens, building of ancient dwellings and tombs, including remains of what is believed continued only after the Greek government agreed to dismantle and to be a 2,500-year-old temple to the love goddess Aphrodite — and move the remnants of the Neolithic homes 50 yards, a laborious and which may also have served as a brothel. At the rowing and sailing site expensive process. Archaeologists, environmentalists and government at Schinias Beach, the site of the Battle of Marathon in 490 B.C., the officials debated the necessity of moving the artifacts, which the Culture foundations of three 4,500-year-old homes were discovered. Minister Evangelos Venizelos had at first deemed of little value. Not “Not only will the Olympic Games be held in places where the Olympics surprisingly, of the preservationists won out. were born in antiquity, but in areas where antiquity is there,” said The portion of Hadrian’s aqueduct found at the Olympic Village was Nicoletta Valakou, the directorate of prehistoric and classical antiquities unearthed by archaeologists before construction had begun. It was at the Hellenic Ministry of Culture. “We have the modern and antiquity enclosed in a protective trailer, where it will remain until the building together in a very good combination.” is complete. Then it will be displayed, incorporated as a central After the beautiful and smooth-running Sydney Games in 2000, many component of the design of the village square. wondered how Athens, then mired in pollution and endless blueprints, Officials say it is impossible to put a price tag on the archaeological could present a Games that did not look flawed by comparison. Greek work, which has been absorbed into the overall construction costs. All sports deputy minister Giorgos Lianis, when asked to name Athens’s told, the government and organizing committee have budgeted more greatest challenge, replied with one word: “Sydney.” Athens officials than $6 billion to prepare for and stage the Games. would greatly have preferred to follow the oft-criticized ’96 Games in Despite all of the delays, Athens officials say the venues are on schedule. Atlanta, marred by a bomb and rampant commercialism. (Other venues, such as those slated for the old airport grounds at But Athens officials are more optimistic these days. They say they will Helliniko, are further behind.) The International Olympic Committee, do what no other Olympic host can: present Athens’s extensive history which two years ago threatened to move the Games if Athens did not — actual pieces of it — with care and grace. Not only will television speed up its glacier-paced Olympic construction, has accepted the cameras pan the Acropolis, the Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Arch and the antiquity-related challenges with little grumbling. other well-known monuments of Athens, but just about every “You can’t really turn around and say, ‘Keep the bulldozer going and significant artifact discovered while digging or bulldozing will be don’t tell anybody,’ “ said IOC marketing director Michael Payne. The displayed near the site of its excavation. finds “will be part of the beauty of these Games. You will see an “We are very fortunate to have this unique heritage,” said Gianna incredibly beautiful city in 2004.” Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, the president of the Athens Organizing It was in Athens that the first Olympics were staged in about 776 B.C., Committee for the 2004 Games. “We are the ones, even if it causes and it was here that the modern Games resumed in 1896. When the some delays, who have found a way to expose these findings. We are IOC awarded the Olympics to Athens in 1997, members admitted very proud of all of this.” they did so largely as an apology for not having given Athens the Construction projects throughout Greece, no matter how maddeningly centennial Olympics. Had the ’96 bid been better organized, Athens behind schedule or egregiously over budget or internationally important likely would have won the Games then. — all of which generally have applied in the case of the Olympics — “The 3,000-year heritage is unique,” Payne said. “The visual are required by federal law to proceed with a rigid adherence to presentation [of the city] to what the athletes will experience in walking archaeological guidelines rather than modern deadlines. Work snakes in the footsteps of their predecessors three millennia ago is an incredibly around ancient finds, but never over or through them. When an powerful cocktail.” instrument strikes an artifact, construction stops. Authorities are continued on page 14

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The Nativity of our Lord and God By Vivienne Varouhas and saviour Jesus Christ COMING UP FEAST DAY On this day we celebrate the birth in flesh of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ. Seeing that the human race was tormented by the devil, our most benevolent God felt compassion and sending his angel Gabriel He told Mary Theotokos through him: “Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee”. And she said: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word” and the Son and Word of God and Lord of ours Jesus Christ was immediately conceived in her pure and virgin womb.

Nine months after the conception, Caesar Augustus ordered a census around the whole world. Proconsul Kyrenios was sent to Jerusalem to conduct it. So, that is when Joseph, the guardian of Theotokos, went to Bethlehem together with her to be registered. Because Theotokos was about to give birth and could not find a house to stay due to the many people who were gathered there and had been in Bethlehem early enough to occupy all the houses, she entered a shabby cave and there she gave birth without corruption to our Lord Jesus Christ and there she swaddled as a baby the Creator of all. She placed Him on the Office Hours for the Priest: Father George Serras Monday to Friday crib of the animals which have no reason, because he was to free us 4.00 - 6.00pm, Evangelismos Church, Hania St from acting without reason. The Nativity of our Lord is celebrated on Priest’s Phone Number: Home: (04) 802 5456 ; December 25th. Mobile: (025) 248 9524 Church Telephone: (04) 385 1076 We prepare ourselves to receive Holy Communion with fasting and confession. One can find The Nativity of our lord in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. Please refer to Matthew 1: 18-25, and Luke 2: 1- EVANGELISIMOS CHURCH - Hania Street 7 for a great read. ST. ANDREWS CHURCH - 365 Broadway, Miramar ST. NECTARIOS CHURCH - 23 Bay Street, Petone Information is from Saint of the day Calendar, Greek Orthodox ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST - 30 Rochester Street, Palmerston North Archdiocese of North and South America.

2004 tickets for most of the total 5.3 million tickets will cost up to 30 euros - of which over pockets half will be priced under 20 euros. The public can apply for tickets as 01 December 2002 of May 12, 2003, and, when demand exceeds supply, allocation will be determined by lottery. Tickets for the Athens 2004 Olympics will range from 10 to 950 euros, organizers announced Armed forces to contribute in the yesterday, while most people will be able to attend events at a maximum cost of 30 euros. security of the Athens 2004 December 13, 2002 And in their bid to raise some 183 million euros The contribution of the country’s armed forces in the security of the from ticket sales, Athens 2004 officials will not Athens 2004 Olympic Games will be extensive and decisive. Seven be issuing a single free invitation. Even should thousand men will assist the police in their task of securing safe Games. certain events have low attendance, nobody will be let in without paying The relevant presidential decrees will be issued for the carrying out of - as was the case with the 1997 World Athletics Championships in the missions. Athens. The total cost of the armed forces’ activity within the framework of its Officials said the average ticket price would be 34 percent cheaper involvement in the security of the Olympic Games is estimated to than during the 2000 Games in Sydney. amount to 99 million euros (NZD200m). The security of the Olympic ´There was a conscious decision to have cheap tickets so that all Greeks Games belongs to the Greek Police. The relevant branch of the Armed can enjoy the Olympics,ª Athens 2004 Executive Committee member Forces General Staff is in contact with the U.S., Italian and Australian Marton Simitsek told a press conference. But he conceded later, ´We armed forces to acquire experience from their involvement in similar did not say that all Greeks can attend all the events.ª Some 68 percent events.

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GREEK MUSIC - NEW RELEASES

Katy Garbi - Mia Kardia Natassa Theodoridou Pashalis Terzis - Fotia stis nihtes (CD Single) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Tosi Agapi Pos Na Hathi kai 5 Tragoudia gia to Ximeroma Kardia Mou Remixes (CD Single)

Peggy Zina Triandafillos Sotis Volanis Vres Ena Tropo HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Gia Mena Eisai Esi Omonimo Sotis X

Its been a long time coming, but finally you can get your hands on the latest Greek music. We have new suppliers in Greece and , and more variety than ever before. If you wish to order any of the featured music or want more details, send an e-mail to: [email protected] or call Stelio on 021 393 035. Orders are placed on the 20th of each month. PRICE LIST: CD Singles: $15 - $20 Full CD: $40 Giorgos Mazonakis - Koita Me & Beat Doubles: $55 - $60 (Double CD) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

IOC praises Athens 2004 Oswald was questioned about the marked difference in tone with statements made earlier this week, before his arrival, to The Associated preparations Press. He attributed this change to the briefing he had since been November 10, 2002 given by ministers and officials from Athens 2004, the Games “Athens is really taking up an Olympic shape,” organizers. “It is not a case of double language,” he said. Even a usually Denis Oswald, chairman of the International grumpy member of the Commission agreed that presentations had Olympic Committee’s Coordination gone smoothly. “The only issue that we really debated at length was Commission, told reporters yesterday at the end whether to give (organizers) until April to decide what to do with the of a three-day inspection tour of preparations for Calatrava project,” he told Kathimerini. the 2004 Games. Oswald had offered words of He was referring to the design of two steel-and-glass arches covering encouragement before; this, however, was the the and the nearby cycling track, by Spanish architect first time his praise was so effusive and the positive points clearly Santiago Calatrava. The project has been delayed due to a legal challenge outnumbered the areas of concern. by a losing bidder. “We are much more confident (about the success of the Athens Other areas of concern are the delay in the construction of a basketball Olympics) than we were some time ago,” Oswald said. arena at Hellenikon, the former Athens airport, and the current lack of The Commission chief cited road building, public transport and venue an appropriate venue in Athens to stage soccer matches, both qualifiers construction as “areas of special satisfaction” for the Commission. and the final.

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Greek Community Playgroup by Vera Georgiou

Well another year is drawing to a close which means Christmas is just so many parents and grandparents attending as well. I know that around the corner!! there will be a lot more junior members attending the playgroup, judging from the number of babies and pregnant women in the As for every end of term, the Greek Community Playgroup held its community at the moment! At least we know (and hope) that this end of term party and the end of this term was no exception. Of will ensure the future of the playgroup and that it will not diminish! course, the end of Term 4 is an extra special party as it was the Playgroup These children are our future and link to our Greek culture, which we Christmas party. This year it was held on Friday, 20 December at the want to see preserved in them. We’re starting at the best time, from a Miramar Community Centre where the Playgroup currently runs its very young age and hopefully following through from Greek playgroup weekly Friday sessions. to Greek School.

Did you know that we have 60 children on our role!! 1/3 attend Playgroup regularly, 1/3 are regular casuals and 1/3 comprise of babies and children that attend Playgroup once in a while or are still too young and cannot quite enjoy the benefits the Playgroup has to offer them. According to the Education Childcare Development Unit, who provides us with funding, the ratio of children to parents and attendance of the playgroup is above average for a playgroup. We are also one of very, very few ethnic playgroups and according to ECDU, the most successful. So congratulations guys, we’ve done really well. Let’s just ensure that we keep that record. It honestly brings tears to my eyes to see the children and the enthusiasm that is generated every Friday at the playgroup sessions. The roster system that was introduced during my absence in Greece is Unfortunately we are unable to give you an actual report on how it a tribute to you all. It is so wonderful to see it working so well and to went or provide you with photos because this article had to be see everyone pulling together and communicating when it comes to submitted just prior to the Xmas party! So this has been written in their rostered day to set up. anticipation that a fun morning for the children, with kiddy rides, air The introduction of crafts, paints, etc. on Fridays is obviously a favourite castles and a carousel/merry-go-round was had. There was a sausage with the children and a well thought out and organized session. sizzle, chips and refreshments for the kids and some sweet snacks for Congratulations committee and parents for putting all that together! the parents, grandparents and caregivers to accompany the coffees. The key is not to let it flag and keep the system going into next year As most primary schools would have finished for the year already, this and onwards because it obviously works very well. We can (just!!) see invitation was also open to them. Of course, Father Christmas paid a some Picasso’s and Rembrandts developing there! Some of the kids visit too and dished out Christmas presents to the children. A fun day even made Christmas decorations at the last session. And some of the was had by all and the attendance was great with lots of yiayias, papous, playdough masterpieces are out of this world!! Temuka could be in mum’s dads, friends, etc. in attendance. What a great, great day! And for some competition! the weather was made to order with the Playgroup being granted a I know a major issue at the moment is the playgroup cupboard. I’m beautiful summer’s day (this was my prediction as I could obviously working on this with Angela who is the co-ordinator for the centre see into the future!!). and hopefully we’ll be able to sort out the cupboard situation soon. Since the playgroup relocated, at the end of every term we put on a Another bit of good news is that WCC has agreed to build a new special end of term function. In the past we have had an end of Term playground at the back of the community centre. Part of the playground at Lollipop Land, a Follyfoot Farm visit with farm animals, Zappo the will be a junior playground and I’ve suggested that it be built close to Magician, BJ Bear, Fancy dress parties, etc. and the attendance has the rear of the community centre so that we can utilise it more and always been satisfying to see. These special end of term parties are held as a thank you to the children, grandparents and parents who support the playgroup both with their attendance, loyalty and help during the sessions. The Greek Community Playgroup is recognised by many different names by the children, e.g. Petalouda School, Chaff Choof School, Koukouva School, Kouloularkia School etc. These are all names associated with songs they sing and hear at Playgroup, which means that the children are getting what they want out of the sessions! Many of the children who have graduated from Greek Playgroup still know where it’s located as I’ve heard many drive-by or walk-by stories where the kids point out our location and what goes on there! My Demetri thinks it sold which is why he doesn’t go anymore!! On another matter, it is so refreshing and exciting to see so many new members attending the Greek Community Playgroup. The crowds that congregate every Friday are amazing and it’s so wonderful to see

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GOYANZ EVENTS CALENDAR 2003 19 January Cypriot Community Picnic: Otaihanga Domain - Waikanae 01 February Hutt Valley Greek Community Hellenic Festival: Petone Settlers Museum 02 February Hutt Valley Greek Community Picnic: Maidstone Park - Upper Hutt 02 February Wanganui/Palmerston North Greek Community Picnic: Horse Shoe Bend - Tokomaru (just north of Shannon) 16 February Cretans Picnic: Maidstone Park 23 February GOYANZ Picnic: Williams Park Days Bay - Southern End February Baraki Night 02 March Pan Macedonian Picnic: Williams Park Days Bay - Nth End keep a closer eye on the children with the intention of being able to 08 March Olympic Pre-Season Function set up temporary fencing around the playground perimeter when the children are out there playing. 15-25 March Greek Week Festivities 25 March Greek Independance Day As you may all know, I will be retiring as Chairperson of the Greek Community Playgroup at the end of this year. My youngest Demetri April 2002 Football Season Kicks-off for all divisions is now at school and so I don’t qualify anymore to attend the playgroup 01 May Greek Labour Day as I have no more babies! (and not likely to have any more!). You 27 April Greek Easter - Commemorating the resurrection of Christ have no idea how much I have honestly enjoyed the playgroup as have all my children (Demetri still misses his “Petaloutha School”). 01 June Miss GOYANZ Annual Dance Although I originally became Chairperson with the sole purpose of 29 June St. John The Baptist Church nameday - Palmerston North relocating the playgroup to it’s current location; the position became 15 August Assumption Day - Commemorating the bodily ascent of one of enjoyment and fulfillment at seeing the playgroup grow to the the Virgin Mary (Panayia) into Heaven talked-about success that it is today. I will dearly miss being part of it 10 August St. Soterios Church nameday - Masterton and attending the Friday sessions. But don’t worry, you haven’t seen September Olympic Prizegiving the last of me yet!! I’ll still be popping in on the odd Friday just to check up on all of you and see how it’s going. Plus, I do so enjoy my 11-12 Oct U 19 Upper Hutt Soccer Tournament - Upper Hutt coffee at the playgroup so that will be a #1 draw card for me visiting 25-27 Oct U19 National Soccer Tournament in Napier you all. 28 October Greek National Holiday (OXI) As I wipe the tears from my eyes, I will finish publishing my last 9 November St. Nectarios Church nameday - Petone newsletter for the playgroup with the wish that you keep supporting and growing the playgroup. Never let it waiver as everyone has put so November Wellington Xmas Parade much effort into it. It is something that we should all be proud of, 30 November St. Andrews Church nameday - Broadway Miramar because without any of us, this playgroup wouldn’t have been possible. December GOYANZ Xmas Party I would also like to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a Very Merry Christmas and an even Happier New Year!!!!! I hope 2003 starts well for everyone and especially the playgroup. If THIS SPACE FOR SALE you ever need me (probably only to put the things away in the cupboard!!), you know where to find me!! Good luck and God Bless! ADVERTISE TO OVER 375 MEMBERS OF GOYANZ Don’t forget: The Greek Community Playgroup will hold its first session AND HELP YOUR COMMUNITY AT THE SAME TIME. on 31 January, 2003 - same place and same time. We look forward to AD SIZE: 90X90mm seeing you all back then. And remember, that any new members are always welcome so if you have a young child or children under 5 then RATES CARD: colour black & white you automatically qualify. So come down next year and join our merry little group . 1 ISSUE: $50 $30 In the meantime, we’ve provided some photos so that you can see our 3 ISSUES $120 $70 little family at work! 6 ISSUES $200 $120 27 Chelsea Street - Advert/Artwork creation inclusive of price. Miramar, WELLINGTON CONTACT: JOHN SEREPISOS 384-4679 (wk) or Phone: 388 1944 (Friday 9.30am-11.30am) 380-8003 (hm) or email: [email protected] Phone: 388 6851 (after hours) Ta Matia is published 6 times a year. All funds raised will be used for the GOYANZ clubroom re-development. (prices are not inclusive of gst)

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Phone: (04) 473-7775/6, 5-7 Willeston Street

Fax: (04) 473-7441 10th Floor, PO Box 24-066. Wellington

EMBASSY OF GREECE WELLINGTON

INFORMATION REGARDING ISSUING INFORMATION FOR A PERSON WHO IS UNDER OF GREEK PASSPORT MILITARY SERVICE OBLIGATIONS IN GREECE It is required under Greek law that the person subject to Military Service For the issue of a Greek passport for an adult, the following in order to be exempted from service in the Greek Army, must submit documents are required: to the Military Office in Greece (Στρατολογικο Γραφειο), a certificate 1. Personal appearance of the applicant at the Consular Office. issued by the Greek Consular Officer certifying that he resides permanently overseas (that is New Zealand). 2. The application form is provided by the Consular Office. In order to enable the Greek Consular Office to issue such a certificate 3. Two (2) recent passport size photographs-coloured. the following documents are required for Military Service up to 45 years old: 4. Recently issued certificate from the Municipality or the Community to prove that you are registered in the Municipal A. For the conscript (stratefsimos) Records in Greece, as Greek citizen - Greek nationality. 1. All old and present passports - Greek and New Zealand.

5. Discharge certificate from the Greek Army that you have fulfilled 2. Certificates from all schools, universities, polytechnics etc. attended; your military obligations or a certificate from the Military or certificates of employment from employers covering the periods Selective-Type B - that you are legally exempted for military after the first of January in the year the person reached eleven (11) service. This certificate is required for males up to the ages of 45 years of age, and up to the present date. years old. 3. If you have attended schools in Greece, it is required to produce 6. The old Greek passport. evidence, viz certificates from all schools for all the years you studied in Greece. 7. For consular fees in issuing a passport, an enclosed cheque of NZ$108.00 payable to Embassy of Greece. B. For the parents of the conscript it is required to produce: 1. Certificates from the Employers, or Accountant or Solicitor certifying 8. In case the passport is needed to be returned to you by mail, that the parents were residing in New Zealand. make sure you provide us with a prepaid signature required courier envelope (trackpack), for security reasons. 2. All their passports old and present - Greek and New Zealand.

For Further information regarding any of the above please contact the Greek Embassy. Do you want to be an Athens 2004 Volunteer? Welcome to the “ATHENS 2004 Olympic News” electronic newsletter. The official bi- monthly ATHENS 2004 newsletter, second issue, is available at: http:// www.athens2004.com/page/ default.asp?la=2&id=7833

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We hope that the “ATHENS 2004 Olympic News” electronic newsletter will become a useful tool, allowing you to access information on ATHENS 2004 progress and activities in the areas of your interest.

If you want to be an Athens 2004 Volunteer you can get this form from the Greek Embassy or contact any member of GOYANZ.

8 www.goyanz.org.nz WELLINGTON CHRISTMAS PARADE Sunday 21 November 2002

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Demetri Camberis Georgia Kalantzis Jonathan Kotrotsos, Petros Camberogiannis, Thomas Serepisos

Angelo Pantelakis Athanasia Efstratiou Vikki Georgiou Ismene Economou, Toula Matsis

Aphrodite Bouras Maria Cordalis, Alexia Koullapis Peter - George Barbarouses

Soteri Katsougiannis Ziko Georgiou, Evangelina Telfar, Andreas Liolis, Demetri Viatos

Benjamin Hilder Konstandina Kosmadakis Demetre Kotrotsos Effie Christoforou, Christina Panagiotelis, Jasmine Serepisos, Georgia Panagiotelis

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On Sunday 27 October 2002, a service commemorating the Greek National Day of October 28th was held at the church of Evangelismos. This special day celebrates the adamant “OXI” that Ioannis Metaxas, Prime Minister of Greece at the time, said to the Italians in 1940, when they expressed the desire to invade Greece under the pretext of using the country as a gateway for the transportation of their troops towards the Middle East.

The Church service was also attended by the Greek School pupils. On the following Sunday the children gathered at Greek School, dressed Matthew Kalantzis Cassandra Botros, Ashley Karsanidis in traditional costumes or in the Greek national colours of blue and white, and presented poems, sketches and songs on the subject of “OXI”. Proud parents, grandparents and other members of the community were there to support them.

As always, celebrating this day gave the children the opportunity to learn more about their Hellenic heritage and the importance of taking pride in that legacy. October 28th also serves as a reminder of how valuable it is for us to preserve our Hellenic spirit, despite the difficulties we - as Greeks living away from Greece - often face in our attempts to do so. That’s what “OXI” is all about! Sophie Lloyd

Stratos Vaxevanis Chrsitina Panagiotelis

Back Row (L-R): Effie Christoforou, Evangelina Telfar, Stavros Rekatsinas, Angelo Pantelakis, Melpo Toulis, Constantinos Kalliabetsos, Georgia Panagiotelis, Jasmine Serepisos, Christina Panagiotelis Front Row (L-R): Tyler Brandon, Demetri Camberis, Demetri Viatos, Christina Cunningham, Ashley Karsanidis, Aidan Economou, Cassandra Botros

John Hilder Stavros Rekatsinas

Paraskevas Botes Mihali Katsougiannis

(L-R): Nicki Botes, Konstandina Kosmadakis, Maria Botes, Elitsa Kapatos

11 www.goyanz.org.nz GOYANZ Childrens Christmas party Sunday 15 December 2002

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Note: These predictions were devised in good humour. Ta matia tou kosmou does not take any responsibility for any fears, false hopes, offence or financial losses incurred in reliance upon them.

[email protected] by Planiti & Asterakia

Our poll has shown us that YES in fact the yerondakia Aries Baraki night fever has taken over your senses. The postponement of gossip more than the neolea. The other night I was the last one nearly caused an incident in your household, but that’s better out for dinner with a range of people. Thea was put behind you. Rest assured, the stars point to the baraki night early next astounded to hear the gossip coming out of the Κριος year resolving all family rifts. yerondakia. They were feeding the young ones the information! Many people, from all ages, are closet Virgo The stars are signalling a new romance on the horizon. The constant gossips. This only shows that gossip does not stop beeping on your mobile is raising suspicions amongst your family. Best you or begin at any particular age. In fact, it is out there keep your phone on discreet and keep things to yourself as you know too well alive and kicking! Παρθενος how kotsobolio gets around. Thank you to all those people who wrote in with Libra Recent outings with your ‘friend’ nearly made you the topic of the their comments regarding this topic in the last issue latest kotsobolio. Now is the perfect time to reassess your security procedures of Ta Matia. Feel free to comment further. and escape plans. Pisces The unusually cold summer has not deterred you from organising ‘the • Dear Thea, My children have now finished school Ζυγος parea’ for a meeting at the basin to perv on the cricketers (or if you’re a guy - for the year. They have already started to drive me from watching the cricket) - rest assured the weather is set to improve and crazy. I don’t understand why they don’t want to you won’t look too out of place with your bikini/open shirt & medallions! stay at ??????? and ????? the whole holidays. They learnt how to do kandema last time! How much Aquarius Christmas is a busy time of year for the social butterflies amongst more fun can kids want! Theano you Aquarians. With juggling your work, social and doulies sto spiti, you are Ιχθυες Dear Theano, Send them to the movies to watch finding there is not enough time in the day to get everything done. Rest My Big Fat Greek Wedding. They can become assured the stars predict that a woman of authority (possibly your mama) will inspired and, just like Waverly off Shortland intervene and organise your social calendar.. however, be careful, as this Street, design their own wedding book. This will reorganisation may not be for the better! keep them entertained for hours and you can all Υδροχοος Taurus Christmas is a time for you to sit back with your shot sized cup of find new ways to increase the prika together! Thea Elliniko kafe and to reflect on the year that has passed .... that controversial • Dear Thea, Can you start a lonely-hearts column? outfit you wore at Easter, your parents reaction when you bought home that Rea ‘friend’ and the many ‘debates’ that followed. Next year you can expect to go through a new celestial cycle that is sure to bring its challenges. Dear Rea. When the Apollon club opens for all Ταυρος youth and so on next year, you can become a Gemini You have worked hard all year, missed out on all the Greek functions, regular. I am sure that you will find another saved every last tip you received at your uncles kafenio and even went as far as lonely heart that you can hook into and be a investing the money you got from the Vasilopita last year! Now, you are all lonely heart no more! Thea set to book that ticket to the mother country to observe the Olympic venue progress in person. The only challenge remaining is to tell your parents. • Dear Thea, Last time I read your star signs, it told ∆ιδυµοι me to hang around the clubs. I did this and my GOOD LUCK! dream woman did not show! Anasti Cancer Although your efforts to start up a rock bouzouki band were Dear Anasti, The stars also told you to button unsuccessful, do not give up hope and do not be disheartened by the lack of your shirt, hide the medallion and loose the interest amongst the neolea! Once they hear your demo tape on the Youth moustaki! Did you do that? I think not. Try again Radio Show (Sundays 3pm - 4pm; 783 Access AM) which will showcase your Καρκινος and let me know how it goes. You must follow impressive voice and your father’s impressive clarino playing, your popularity the stars EXACTLY as they are written. Kali sou will rise quicker than you can say tsamiko! tihi! Thea Sagittarius You have been dreaming of the Coyote Ugly movie in recent • Dear Thea, I want a katsiki for Hristouyena. Love weeks, and are contemplating opening your own version of this amazing club Costa in Wellington. All I will say is check out Sports Cafe on a Saturday Night... u will see that this bartop dancing is already taking place,... and you may be Dear Costa, Get back with your ex! Thea Τοξοτης suprised at some of the ‘clientele’ this popular nightspots attracting. This • Dear Thea, How do I remain friends with my ex? may be a good opportunity to bond with your father! Christmas time is so hard without her! Reno Capricorn The ketchup song has you shaking your bootie nearly every single Dear Reno, Keep her at an arm’s length.....keep night in the various Wellington night spots. You are so into this craze that telling her that her mother makes the best you are thinking of setting up a ‘Ketchup Dance Studio’ .... Just remember spanakopita and that you still enjoy her that the Macarena was once just as popular, and now we cringe at home company. Buy her a kotetsi for Christmas, and Αιγοκερος videos where everyone seems to be dancing it! The stars signal a more classical you will see the friendship blossom! Thea dance studio will be more viable... perhaps something along the lines of ‘Zorba’ • Dear Thea, Your advise is soooo good. I have and ‘Pentozali’ dance studios are more the way to go! followed your column religiously for a while now Scorpio The GOYANZ kids Christmas Party has made you clucky, there is no and find that if I put myself into the situations of doubt about that! The stars signal a fertile celestial year for Scorpios. Rest your writers, I have developed well. Where did you assured within the year a baby boom amongst your sort will result in an gain all your wonderful knowledge from? Irene abnormal amount of multiple births amongst the Greek community. All I Dear Irene, They don’t call me Thea for nothing! Σκορπιος can say is make sure you start booking the Greek School from now! (as a note At my age (40+) you have a world of knowledge of caution, please ensure your big fat Greek wedding comes along before wee behind you! I tend to look at my children and try little Georgaki! to guide them in the opposite direction that I was. Leo 2003 is set to be your year. Love, wealth and health are all coming your I am pleased that you have enjoyed my column way. Apart from a brief patch of bad luck in February you are destined for and find the replies helpful. Kala Hristouyena and good things. A Lotto win in early March will change your future for good. Be don’t forget to wrap the donkey for your father sure to see that nice Greek boy at the bank for some helpful investment with a big, bright, red bow. This way, you can Λεων advice. The romance that will follow is also just the beginning of what promises claim it for your prika and boost your chances of to be a year full of suprises. finding a NICE GREEK BOY! Thea.

13 www.goyanz.org.nz Greek School Christmas Party The Greek School end-of-year celebration took place on Sunday the 1st of December, at the school hall on Hania St. Once again the children recited their “poihmata” and performed sketches and songs, the main themes being Christmas and the end of the school year. They did a great job, even though they had less time than usual to practice at school, as this “yiorti” was on just a few weeks after the National Day celebration.

At the end of the presentation the children received their certificates for the end of year and then refreshments, light snacks and a lunch of fish and chips were served. The highlight of the celebration was undoubtedly the much-anticipated entrance of Father Christmas, although some children whispered that they knew “he wasn’t the real one”. Anyhow, real or not, Santa had lots of presents for everyone (whether they had been naughty or nice during the year!) and these were gratefully received.

Many thanks to the School Committee and the teachers for their efforts throughout the year, and also to the new Greek Community Committee for their assistance in this event. The parents and grandparents of the pupils deserve special mention for making Greek School a priority, despite the children’s hectic schedule of various extracurricular activities. By encouraging attendance of Greek School we are increasing the chances that these children will sustain our community once they are adults.

continued from page 3 IS IT CHIC TO BE GREEK? The laborious process of tilling the earth for antiquities is far from unique to Olympic The answer to this question has changed over time. preparations. At various stops on the gleaming, meticulously clean Athens metro, which Many Greek migrants would claim that when first opened in early 2000 and is being extended for the Summer Games, archaeological arriving in New Zealand and other countries it was exhibits greet riders. Artifacts up to 3,000 years old, which were discovered in the very not chic to be Greek. On the contrary many felt earth through which the metro trains speed, are displayed in glass-enclosed cases. embarrassed to admit eating feta in their sandwiches Such museum-like displays, or roped-off areas for larger artifacts, are likely to welcome or speaking Greek to others. But now in the 21st Olympic visitors in 2004. century tables have turned. “We do feel pride because a lot of things were there, and the archaeological service had Contributing factors to this change in attitude have no opportunity and funds to do its job,” said George Kazantzopoulos, the Games’ mainly been linked to the prestige Greeks and Greece environment chief. “The problem with Greece is there are so many archaeological in general have received through various domains. findings; they don’t have the funds required to protect and reveal everything. This is a For example we have gained much publicity over the very good opportunity for them. last year through the arts (My Big Fat Greek Wedding “Thank God they were there. The end result has made us all proud.” and Captain Corelli’s Mandolin) and the Olympic games, which will be held in Athens in the year 2004. If you are interested in the upcoming Athens Games then visit the following As a result people of other cultures are able to site: http://www.athens2004.com appreciate various aspects of our ‘greekness’ and this is predominantly viewed through our ‘chic’ cuisine You can also register on the Official Athens 2004 Olympic website to as Greek dishes, that we enjoy at home, can be found electronically receive their bi-monthly newsletter and keep upto date with on the menu of prestigious restaurants around the News and Information. Simply fill out the form at: https:// world. A primary example of how ‘to fagito mas’ has www.athens.olympic.org/page/default.asp?id=5336&la=2 gained global appreciation is the fact that our famous gyro can be found not only in the western world but Newsletter can be found at: http://www.athens2004.com/page/ has also landed in Seoul, the capital of Korea. default.asp?la=2&id=7833 So if you happen to turn your nose up at the Greek food prepared in your home for Christmas just think We hope that the “ATHENS 2004 Olympic News” electronic newsletter will that perhaps there is someone in Seoul that is enjoying become a useful tool, allowing you to access information on ATHENS 2004 our cuisine. progress and activities in the areas of your interest.

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Nikos Kazantzakis Seminar November 22nd, Greek Community Centre Over 50 people turned up to listen to Mr George Stassinakis give a NIKOS KAZANTZAKIS AND ZORBA lecture on legendary Greek Writer Nikos Kazantzakis. Mr Stassinakis is “Very few people, living or dead, have the founder and president of the International Society of friends of aided my struggle. If, however, I wished to Nikos Kazantzakis. The Hellenic New Zealand Congress was responsible designate which people left their traces for bringing Mr Stassinakis from Europe and for arranging the seminar. embedded most deeply in my soul, I would The evening began with a video outlining Kazantzakis life which was perhaps designate Homer, Buddha, followed by the lecture. Mr Stassinakis was ably assisted by Tolis Nietzsche, Bergson, and Zorba... If it had been Papazoglou who translated all of his Greek recitals into English. a question in my lifetime of choosing a spiritual guide, a guru as the Hindus say, a The evening ended with food and a Cretan dance exhibition. father as say the monks at Mount Athos, Nikos Kazantzakis is the writer known internationally for the modern classic surely I would have chosen Zorba. For he had just what a quill-driver novel “Zorba the Greek” adapted by Michalis Kokoyianns and starring needs for deliverance: the primordial glance which siezes its nourishment Alan Bates and Anthony Quinn. arrow-like from on high; the creative artlessness, renewed each morning, which enabled him to see all things constantly as though for the first time, and to bequeath virginity to the eternal quotidian elements of air, ocean, fire, woman, and bread; the sureness of hand, freshness of heart, the gallant daring to tease his own soul; finally the savage bubbling laugh from a deep, deep wellspring, deeper than the bowels of man, a laugh which at critical moments spurted redemptively from Zorbas elderly breast, spurted and was able to demolish (did demolish) all the barriers - morality, religion, homeland - which that wretched poltroon, man, has erected around him in order to hobble with full security through his miserable smidgen of life.”

This is a quotation, among many others, from Report to Greco, that expresses Kazantzakis’ admiration for and friendship with Zorba. Mr Stassinakis & Tolis Papazoglou

Athens to host WCIT in 2004 Greeks get a passion for planes NOVEMBER 07, 2002 By Sally Pook GREECE will host the World Congress of Information Technology (Filed: 14/12/2002) (WCIT), the largest biennial global gathering of information and A year ago, the Greeks didn’t believe that people spent their spare telecommunications technology experts, three months before the time plane-spotting. Athens 2004 Olympic Games, Greek organisers said. They were so baffled to find a group of Britons jotting down numbers Known as the ‘IT Olympics’, the event is scheduled to include keynote at an airbase in Kalamata that they thought they must be spies and speakers from the European Commission, the US government and arrested them. business leaders ranging from Microsoft to rising giants in Asia. Today, the Greek authorities appear to have accepted that people do “The reasons Greece was awarded the conference are related to its such things for pleasure and an exhibition is being held at Athens strategic location between Eastern and Western Europe, the International Airport entitled Plane-spotting Passion. forthcoming hosting of the Olympic Games, and due to its ties with The irony has not been lost on the British plane-spotters, who were the development of information science from ancient times to the acquitted on appeal last month, a year after they were first arrested. present,” said Dimos Vatikiotis, the head of the conference. But Peter Norris, from Uxbridge, west , who had been sentenced Spokesman Added Yannis Rizopoulos said: “The WCIT is the biggest to three years for espionage, said he would not be returning for the event in the world in the area of information technology, and this is exhibition. “I have no desire to rush back,” he said. the first time it will be held in South-eastern Europe. It is equivalent in importance to the Davos World Forum summit in Switzerland or is The exhibition consists of photographs of aircraft taken at the airport like an Olympic Games in its own field.” by three Greeks “showing their enthusiasm for aircraft through the plane-spotting passion”. The previous host city was Adelaide in Australia, seen by many as an indirect result of the hosting of the 2000 Olympic Games by Sydney.

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My Big Fat Greek Success Nia Vardalos is busy touring the globe promoting her successful foray into the world of the silver screen. My Big Fat Greek Wedding has exceeded all expectations and achieved worldwide success from an idea that almost remained on the drawing board. SHE’S loud, she’s proud and she is the hot new star of Hollywood. But Nia Nia with the film’s producer Gary Vardalos, star of the new hit movie My Goetzman to her left, and the REVIEW ON MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING Big Fat Greek Wedding didn’t get there chairman of Roadshow film As I walked toward the Embassy on the Greek night showing of My the easy way. Instead she had to fight distributors Ian Sands. and stay determined throughout her Big Fat Greek Wedding, it was apparent that this cinema was buzzing career as directors and casting agents came to grips with her ‘Greek’ look. with a different atmosphere to other nights. The difference was that it In fact, a former agent once told Nia she would never make it as an actor in Hollywood was a lively Greek climate that added to everyone’s excitement. because she wasn’t pretty enough to be a star or fat enough for character roles. Nia Vardalos recalls growing up in Winnipeg, Canada (population 600,000), as the only Greek The Embassy was bursting at the seams with Greek spectators trying girl in her class. When her schoolmates were playing basketball, Nia was attending Greek to fuel themselves up with edible necessities for this special viewing. language school or attending Greek dancing lessons. After everyone had found his or her parea and seats, it was time for the Her childhood is full of memories of holidays in Greece, big family feasts and listening to stories from her ‘yiayia’ and her mum. screening of this long awaited movie. “I come from a family of storytellers,” she says. Even though the plot may appear quite simple - girl meets boy, girl So it was inevitable that Nia would herself one day become a storyteller. Aged 20 she moved falls in love with boy and in the end they live happily ever after - it is out of home to study acting in Toronto, then seven years later moved south to Chicago. Vardalos landed a job with improvisational theatre company Second City, working in the box infused with characteristics of our Greek culture. Of course this is office. One day an actress fell ill and had to cancel 15 minutes before show time. The rest is presented at times to the extreme which adds to the humour. The history. Vardalos convinced the directors to give her a go and she was an instant success. The next day she was hired full time and her career making people laugh was officially underway. aim of the movie was to present elements of our culture which are Vardalos enjoyed a successful six year stint with Second City before moving further south to often unique and unusual to outsiders; such as mass family gatherings, Hollywood in search of every actor’s dream. multiple use of the same name in the same family and our ability to After years of bit parts and auditioning for roles that were Hispanic or Italian, a frustrated Nia took things into her own hands. make time to get involved in everyone’s life. “I mostly auditioned for parts that were Hispanic, although I believe true Hispanics should be In terms of the acting it was very convincing and the actors were hired for Hispanic parts. I think it’s insulting to the Hispanic community to have someone doing that accent. I kept losing these parts to what I call “true ethnics,” and while I believe I’m successfully able to present the lifestyle inside a Greek home. As a ethnic, there was no voice for my people. So, I set out to create something Greek,” Vardalos result we as Greek viewers often felt that some scenes had been says. ‘plucked’ from our personal lives, which was proved by the roars of She wrote and starred in a one woman stage act based on her family and the many complicated and funny stories that come with being Greek. laughter that often echoed through the Embassy. “I called all of my friends, and asked them which were the funniest stories I had told them over All in all this movie provided the perfect opportunity for Greek families the years about my family. They wrote or faxed back, and I shoved all of the stories together and hooked them around my wedding, which had happened the year before, and I had a to get together and spend a pleasant night watching a movie which all show,” Vardalos admits. generations from grandparents to young children could relate to. The show started off at the HBO workspace before moving to the Hudson Theatre where Consequently the gap between Greek migrants and first, second and every session during the six-week running was sold out. even third generation Greeks can slowly merge thanks to the great The show grew to become a success and eventually turn into the film, which has been number one in the US, as well as countries such as Canada, Greece, Australia & New Zealand. The film efforts of the GOYANZ committee. has also become the highest-grossing independent film in the world, overtaking The Blair Witch Project. Nia was approached by a film company affiliated with Disney who wanted to purchase her idea but without her in the starring role. “I was like, yeah, all right! Until they told me I wouldn’t be in it. And I said, ‘I wrote it for me.’ And they said, ‘right, but we want Marisa Tomei.’ And I said, ‘she’s cute and all, but she’s Italian.’ Long story short, I tell them, very politely, forget it.” Nia was concerned that selling her idea would mean losing its authenticity, so she decided to write the screenplay herself, something she had never done before. “It took about a month and a half to finish the first draft, which I hated. I put it in a drawer, and didn’t look at it for months,” Vardalos says.The project then took off after Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, who is Greek-American, saw Vardalos’s stage play in 1998. They liked it so much that Hanks purchased the rights through his production company, Playtone Co, and agreed to let Vardalos adapt the story and take the starring role. Wilson said she was “completely floored” by Varadalo’s comic routine and how much of Nia’s material reminded her of her own upbringing and experiences of marrying a non-Greek. So Hanks and Wilson with the help of another producer, Gary Goetzman, set about making the film a reality. Some of the “Greeks” The film has become a huge success. Becoming the highest grossing independent film in the that turned up to the United States is no small feat, but Vardalos says the film means much more than money. GOYANZ premier of “My The money is like, “Yeah, yeah.... That works in the Hollywood system,” she adds. “But this is Big Fat Greek Wedding” the greatest feeling in the world: when women are coming up and saying ‘I’m you.’” Vardalos, 39, said she had thought the film would cover its costs and maybe turn a small profit. Vardalos knows the success of the film can be attributed to the hordes of Greek Americans who have packed the theatres over the past months. “The Greeks made this movie a big success. All Greeks in America (approximately 6 million) have seen it and they went back with their non-Greek friends.” Varadalos says. The success of the film also means more opportunities for Vardalos. As she travels the globe promoting her film, Vardalos is contemplating a new film or a sit-com for television. “It’s really all going to depend on scheduling,” she said. For now though, after all the hard work, Vardalos is happy soaking up her big fat new success.

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Dropped purse saved Athens mayor He stressed that this was a ‘’historic Saturday, 14 December, 2002 day for Europe, as well as for Greece Greek police are questioning a former mental patient over a gun attack and Turkey. Europe overcame the on a car carrying the mayor-elect of Athens. The gunman fired several divisions of the past and it is now shots at Mrs Bakoyianni. Dora Bakoyianni narrowly escaped serious unified’’. Foreign Minister George injury when she bent down to pick up her purse as the gunman opened Papandreou, also present at the fire at point-blank range. Mrs Bakoyianni’s driver, Giorgos Liverios, press conference, said that the was wounded in the neck in the attack, about 50 metres (55 yards) dynamic now established creates from the mayor’s office, near the Acropolis. the hope that the ‘’walls will come down in Cyprus’’. Police say they arrested 35- year-old Giorgos Sandalis Greece, Simitis said, achieved two as he tried to escape from major targets, the clear-cut the scene. The shooting accession of the island republic to raised concerns about the Union, without terms and security surrounding Greek preconditions, as some people officials and safety in the supported and spoke of during the capital in the run-up to the previous months and secondly Greece achieved in maintaining the 2004 Olympic Games in dynamic for the resolution of the Cyprus problem, which began as a Athens. Mrs Bakoyianni, who is due to be sworn into office on 1 result of the prospect of Cyprus’ accession’’. The premier said that the January, 2003, was cut by flying glass but otherwise unharmed. Police text of the Summit’s conclusion states that the implementation of the say they have not been able to determine a precise motive for the acquis communautaire will be suspended as far as the northern part of attack. The suspected gunman had a history of mental problems and the island (under Turkish occupation) is concerned, as long as that had been treated in hospital in the past, police said. Giorgos Sandalis’ remains outside the European Union, adding, however, that the text father, Argiris, said his son had “serious problems”. expresses the hope that until Feb. 28, 2003, an agreement for the resolution of the Cyprus issue will be achieved, in turn achieving the “I want to apologise to her [Mrs Bakoyianni],” Argiris Sandalis told entry of a reunited Cyprus in the Union. Greek television. Simitis also noted that the Union was promoting measures for the Mrs Bakoyianni, the daughter of former prime minister Constantine economic support of the northern part of Cyprus. Referring to a solution Mitsotakis, became the first female mayor of Athens after winning of the Cyprus issue, Simitis stressed that the revised plan of the United elections in October. Her husband, Pavlos, was killed by the urban Nations for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem guerrilla group 17 November in 1989. The group has been blamed for continues to be the basis for negotiations, adding that it is a realistic more than 20 killings - including those of several foreign diplomats - base and capable to contribute to the overturning of the divisive reality since 1975. Police arrested several members of the group after a failed on the island now. Simitis placed the responsibility for the non- bomb attack last June. resolution of the Cyprus problem on the Turkish Cypriot side, which Cyprus enters the European Union he called on to change its stance and aid the efforts to achieve a solution, while he called on Turkey to realize that by contributing to the solution unconditionally of the problem is strengthens its European course. COPENHAGEN 14/12/2002 ”The resolution of the Cyprus problem is a target for Greece, equal to The European that of the accession and secure enough for the survival of a reunited Union Summit on Cyprus,’’ Simitis said, calling on all Greeks to move on united without Friday evening miserable and partisan attitudes, toward the achievement of this target, decided the as was done with success in Cyprus’ entry to the EU. Commenting on accession of Turkey’s stance, Simitis referred to statements by Turkish Prime Minister Cyprus to the EU Abdullah Gul that the resolution of the Cyprus problem should close along with another by Feb. 28, 2003, as well as to statements made by Turkish Cypriot nine countries of community political party leaders who wish to see the problem resolved. the first wave to the Union’s largest Speaking of his visits to Cyprus and Turkey as the leader presiding over enlargement since the European Union for the next six months, Simitis said that he would its conception.Prime Minister Costas Simitis made the announcement be the first president of the Union to visit the island republic in April immediately after the conclusion of the second and final day of the 2003 and not only Cyprus, but all 25 EU member-states, adding that Summit in the Danish capital. Clearly satisfied with the decision arrived at present there was no plans for a visit to Ankara. The Greek premier at following the two-day long negotiations, Simitis said that closed his remarks saying that Cyprus and the other nine member- developments were better than anticipated, when he departed for states will sign the accession agreement on April 16, 2003 in Athens, Copenhagen. while they will become full members of the Union by May 1, 2004.

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Greece and Turkey fail in joint bid to Olympiakos feel the heat host 2008 Eurosoccer 20/10/2002) If Sir Alex Ferguson thinks he has had a rough week as Manchester Athens, 13/12/2002 (ANA) United coach he should be grateful he is not a Greek football fan. Greece and Turkey on Thursday failed in their joint bid to win the mandate to host the 2008 European soccer championship during voting Olympiakos, who host United on Wednesday, have not played a league held in Nion, Switzerland. Predictions came true at UEFA’s headquarters game in October after the Greek Football Federation (EPO) called a in this city and the 2008 European championship was awarded to the month-long shutdown following the collapse of Alpha Digital, the joint candidacy of Switzerland and Austria. European satellite broadcaster. The club have no coach and their president, Socrates Kokkalis, is under investigation following preliminary UEFA followed its steadfast policy and kept the voting process secret, charges of espionage against the state. but according to international press agencies it decided to apply the elimination system for each candidacy. Commenting on the outcome On Wednesday, a six-man UEFA delegation arrived in Athens to of voting, Deputy Sports Minister George Lianis said ‘’I was saddened scrutinise the county’s application to co-host Euro 2008 with Turkey. because we did not achieve the joint hosting of the EURO 2008, but Within 24 hours senior Greece international, Vassilis Tsartas, “did a Roy Keane” and criticised the EPO for providing poor training facilities. we are moving on. We have much greater things to do, such as the Iraklis then confirmed they had fined their top scorer, Martin Mieciel, Olympic Games which are 100 times the EURO 2008.’’ £12,500 for turning up to training in his slippers. He further said ‘’the file for our candidacy was excellent and the The previous week’s headlines were no better. Acting AEK Athens government’s effort, which was made discreetly, was also serious’’, president Makis Psomiadis was released from prison less than seven adding that ‘’EPO (the Greek Soccer Federation) moved positively. days into a 12-year sentence for forging documents to slander a Mr. Gagatsis did all that was possible in this case. It does not matter government minister. During the trial Psomiadis, whose main defence who voted for Greece and who did not. I am satisfied by the fact that was that he suffered from advanced tuberculosis, watched AEK play in our performance was dignified and that the Cypriot representative his trademark fashion - smoking fat cigars and drinking whisky. The supported us.’’ Lianis concluded his statement by saying ‘’I believe illness was accepted as grounds for release on bail and, as he left court, that if we had hosted the tournament everything would go well. I have he said: “Justice has been done. Nobody sends AEK to prison, AEK a feeling that we should have more serious specifications on the will not be imprisoned.” international scene, without this meaning that the people of the Greek and Turkish Federation did not do their job properly.’’ In the last 18 months, two senior EPO officials have been attacked (a spokesman called this summer’s iron-bar assault on vice-president UEFA CUP Draw Aristeidis Stathopoulos “attempted murder by paid killers”) after looking into claims of match-fixing. These came about after investigative Fourth round: broadcaster Makis Triantafyllopoulos recorded conversations from Malaga v AEK Athens Anderlecht v Panathinaikos tapped telephone lines. “The evidence we have so far shows that corruption in Greek football is enormous,” said Triantafyllopoulos. “It Lazio v Wisla Krakow Slavia Prague v Besiktas was organised by a mafia-like group of people who controlled Hertha Berlin v Boavista Celtic v everything: club directors, referees, match results.”

Porto v Denizlispor Auxerre v Liverpool The government recently dismissed the EPO’s demands for compensation for loss of earnings following the TV collapse - despite a Home & Away Ties to be played February 20 & 27, 2003 conflict of interest after it emerged that Kokkalis’ technology firm Greece edged out at water polo Intracom are joint-partners in the lucrative state-run betting monopoly. There has been no development in the charge that Kokkalis was used World Cup by the Stasi secret police as a go-between to buy technology and Canada evened its round robin record to 1-1 Wednesday with a 6-4 industrial secrets from contacts in Greece and sell them to the Soviet victory over Greece at the FINA World Cup women’s water polo Union. A German parliamentary report alleged that for two years tournament. The Canadians, ranked third in the world, lost their “Socrates Kokkalis became a secret informer of the Ministry of State opening match to Russia, 9-7 Tuesday in Perth, Australia. Security with the code-name Rocco”. The Greeks came into the game riding high after holding the World On the pitch, things are no clearer. Olympiakos are joint top of the Champion Italians to an 8-8 draw on Tuesday. In the B pool’s other Greek league after four matches and have won the title for the past six match, Italy edged Russia 10-8. The Italians are first in the pool seasons. But they have only once made it past the Champions League standings with five points (a win is worth three points, a draw two and first group stage and the surprise recent sacking of coach Takis Lemonis a loss one), followed by Russia and Canada tied for second at four. has not helped their chances this year. Greece sits fourth with three points. Caretaker manager is former head scout Yiannis Kollias, who will be The top team in each pool at the end of the round robin receives a bye without suspended midfielder Ze Elias against United. Three weeks to the semifinals while second and third cross over in quarterfinals. ago, striker Giovanni was accused of deliberately injuring an opponent The top-five at the end of the tournament qualify for the world aquatic in a cup game against Kallithea. Sound familiar? It is a shame that is championships in July 2003. not the only problem Olympiakos have to worry about.

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by John Servos

U19s Napier National Tournament By John Servos Park Island, Napier, Labour Weekend 26-28 October 2002

Overall, I was very pleased with making the quarter finals. The standard of play was excellent. We had a mixture of experienced older boys and a lot of 14-15 year old younger players. Our future looks extremely bright with the young talent coming through. Coach Marteen Van Huttam must take a lot of the praise for the coaching and effort he has put in over the last 10 weeks. He was very well liked and respected by the players. I personally learned a lot by working with Marty and look forward in working with him in the future. The players behaviour both off and on the field was excellent with only one card in the whole tournament. A lot of people don’t appreciate the huge organisation that goes in to running a team in this tournament. A special thanks must go to Peter Halikias and his wife Voula for all their hard work and for preparing all the food for the team and management, and to Paul Kuggeleijn the club’s physio for his long nights working to get players fit. And to the families of the players that helped in the weekend, it was hugely appreciated. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: A special thanks to the Wellington Olympic Committee and chairman for their support and funding which enabled me to manage and run the squad professionally.

Look forward to seeing you next labour weekend.

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1Trent Rickard 8Yasin Ibrahim 15 Steve Romijn 22 George Babarouses 2Russel Kamo 9 Dimitri Goumas 16 Chris Zivadinovic 23 Joseph Paul-Hendry 3 John Servos (manager) 10 Giles Forbister 17 Nick Theodorou 24 Tobias Kidman 4 Marteen Van Hattum (Coach) 11 Paul Kuggelijn (Physio) 18 Paul Brown 25 Brett Stevens 5Grant Stevens 12 Chris Stevens 19 Jackie Soh 26 Christos Babarouses 6 John Gerondis 13 Simon Pauleit 20 Kosta Babarouses 27 Nick Van Hattum 7 Anthony Neonakis 14 Mikey Halikias 21 Nick Zivadinovic

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