Sign In / Register
Descendants of Puhoi’s pioneering Bohemian settlers gathered in the village last month to commemorate the 163rd anniversary of the arrival of the community’s first European immigrants.
The celebrations, organised by the Puhoi Museum, marked the arrival of the first 83 settlers who left small villages in Bohemia, now part of the Czech Republic, in search of a new life in New Zealand. Their journey laid the foundations for what would become one of the country’s most distinctive rural settlements.
Held on June 27 and 28, the anniversary included a commemorative Mass at Sts Peter and Paul Church, a wreath-laying ceremony at the historic landing stone, a shared anniversary lunch and a special presentation exploring the history of the settlement.
Puhoi Museum president Jenny Schollum said there was strong interest in learning more about the ships that carried settlers to New Zealand and the hardships they faced establishing farms in dense native bush, with assistance from Māori.
In total, around 200 Bohemians arrived in Puhoi aboard 11 ships – Lord Burleigh, War Spirit, Liverpool, Queen Bee, Friedeburg, Shakespeare, Terpsichore, Herschell, Taormina, Catania and Tally Ho.
Schollum said the anniversary was particularly significant because descendants representing every one of those ships attended the commemorations.
“It was wonderful to have at least one descendant from every ship represented,” she said.
Many of the original family names, including Schischka, Russek, Remiger and Wech, remain well known throughout the district, reflecting the enduring legacy of the early settlers.
Schollum said the strong turnout and enthusiasm shown during the weekend gave organisers confidence that the commemorations would continue for years to come.
“It certainly means there will be enthusiasm to organise similar events in future, although we do need more volunteers to help, both at the museum and with events,” she said.
