NetherlaNZ Foundation

From Abel Tasman to Fonterra, from Petrus van der Velden to Ans Westra, from Olympians Dick Quax to Simon van Velthoven, from early refugees and migrants escaping a war-torn Holland to those who recently began to make their life in the New Zealand we enjoy today – we all have a common heritage and a lot to be proud of. This site is about connecting all Kiwis with a Dutch connection - to foster ties and enjoy what we have in common. According to research undertaken by the Netherlands Government and the New Zealand Netherlands Foundation (the Foundation), there are estimated to be between 130,000 to 200,000 people with a Dutch heritage in New Zealand; Of these between 40,000 – 50,000 are classed as first generation Dutch by the Department of Statistics. However, the Dutch in New Zealand are "invisible" and the research indicates that there are those with a Dutch background who have lost their heritage and their connection to the Netherlands but who would like to reconnect. To achieve this the Foundation has created this website as the first step in creating a virtual community where people who wish to explore and connect with their Dutch heritage can register with us and in doing so create a network for promoting activities with a Dutch flavour throughout New Zealand. Or you can just enjoy the site and the stories of the contributions that the Dutch have made to New Zealand... See also: Home Abroad - A profile of the Dutch Diaspora in New Zealand (Publication)