The following articles have been submitted by our volunteers and anyone who has an interest in all things New Zealand. Contributions are most welcome so please contact us.
(The mighty Whanganui river is the longest navigable river in the country. Photo credit: Take Two Photographers Ltd 2009.)
As poor economic conditions and unemployment stalked the land following years of war and poor harvests, a young couple in their early thirties took ship in November 1841 to seek a better life in New Zealand.
UNZT volunteer, Ashley Eves, recounts the journey of the Eves family to his fellow-volunteer, Rodney Magowan.
Second year agriculture students from CAFRE Greenmount campus near Antrim have the opportunity to work for 12 months on dairy farms in New Zealand.
Times were tough in Ireland in 1847 and when notices were distributed around all military barracks that a new body of ex-soldiers. to be known as the Royal New Zealand Fencible Corps, was to be raised to defend the new capital of New Zealand, Auckland, against the native tribes from Waikato and the Coromandel, many Irishmen flocked to join it. Indeed of the final Corps of 780 soldiers, 63% were Irish, eleven coming from the 27th (Inniskilling) Regiment of Foot and one from the 6th(Inniskilling) Dragoons.
Article reproduced by permission from author, Robin Hogg
If the Rising’s rebels had taken Trinity, might it today be called Pearse College Dublin? Trinity College could easily have been seized by Sinn Féin, changing the course of history.
John Ballance, a Glenavy man, was a great support of universal suffrage. Read the Newsletter article on how he secured votes for women with Hilary Bracefield, volunteer at The Ballance House providing her perspective.
On 28 September 2018 a Victoria Cross plaque was unveiled in Carrickfergus by the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim in honour of Pte James Crichton in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant for County Antrim.
Two-and-a-half years working in a mixed practice on NZ’s South Island gave veterinary surgeon Jennifer Campbell, a fresh perspective on her profession and a healthier work/life balance…
On 2 December 2018 the BBC2 NI 'Groundbreaker' TV programme focused on Helen Waddell, a leading writer of both historical fiction and text books in the 1920s and 1930s. Leading 21st century author Kate Mosse revealing why Helen Waddell still deserves to be read, honoured and cherished not only in her native province, but throughout these islands.
Policing in New Zealand can be traced back to 1840 with the arrival from New South Wales, Australia of Lieutenant Governor William Hobson (RN) accompanied by six Constables (troopers). Policing in New South Wales had existed in various forms since the foundation of the colony in 1788. Initially it had been policed by Royal Marines (reluctantly on their part) but a cohesive Police Force as we would know it today did not come into existence until March 1862.
From Te Araroa you're now heading southwards and the road is mainly inland. To find the treasures, you'll have to venture a little further off the main track.
A native of Limavady, William Massey's portrait was recently unveiled ...
Ramelton's memorial to Dave Gallaher was recently unveiled by Sir Jerry Mateparae and IRFU President Philip Orr.
The Kiwi version of Melting Moments, Yoyos are delicious and well worth baking...
Back on the road again and heading towards Hicks Bay, a lovely detour along the country road that runs along side the beach.
Professor Sinclair Stockman runs the office for the NZ Consulate in Northern Ireland from his home in Belfast. Stepping up to the door, a formal NZ plaque indicates I have the right place and if I was in any doubt of his allegiances, the Rugby jerseys hanging pride of place behind his office desk quell any concerns...
Opotiki is where our road trip starts and ends. Head down the main street of town, opposite the library, the bakery will have all you need for a picnic later in the day
My favourite New Zealand road trip takes me off the tourist trail and along roads to beaches and beauty that most kiwis only see on a calendar.
I recently gave a paper at the 22nd annual New Zealand Studies Association at Franklin University, Lugano Switzerland. As the chef said at breakfast the first morning, "Why would people from New Zealand come here to have a conference on New Zealand?"
When New Zealand travel writer Venetia Sherson recently visited The Ballance House, she found the true meaning of the world 'Welcome'.
PICTURE: STEPHEN HAMILTON & PRESS EYE
David tells us about bis attendance at his first every football match, a friendly between Northern Ireland and New Zealand, June 2017.
The Ulster New Zealand Trust at The Ballance House
118a Lisburn Road, Glenavy, BT29 4NY. Charity Commission NI Number: 100338
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