Looking Back at Refugee Childhood in New Zealand: 1940s - 1960s

In the wake of the Second World War, New Zealand became a refuge for thousands of displaced Europeans, many of whom were children. These young refugees arrived in Aotearoa with a mix of emotions: trepidation, hope, and the need to rebuild their lives in a foreign land.

This article delves into the experiences of these refugee children, exploring the challenges and opportunities they faced as they navigated their new lives in New Zealand. Through first-hand accounts, historical documents, and scholarly research, we attempt to capture the complexities of their childhood journeys and the resilience they exhibited in the face of adversity.

Facing the Past: Looking Back at Refugee Childhood in New Zealand 1940s–1960s

by Ann Beaglehole

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1679 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	302 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Arrival and Settlement

The refugee children who arrived in New Zealand during the 1940s and 1960s came from diverse backgrounds. Some were Jewish survivors of the Holocaust, while others were displaced by the political upheavals in Eastern Europe. They arrived in New Zealand under various governmental schemes, such as the Polish Children's Scheme and the Dutch Kindertransport.

Their initial experiences in New Zealand were often geprägt by feelings of displacement and alienation. They were placed in unfamiliar surroundings, separated from their families and friends, and had to adapt to a new language and culture. The challenges they faced were compounded by the fact that they were often seen as outsiders by the local population.

Education and Employment

One of the most important aspects of the refugee children's lives was their education. Many of them had their education disrupted by the war and had to start again in New Zealand. They attended schools and universities, where they faced both challenges and opportunities. Some excelled academically, while others struggled to keep up with their classmates.

Upon completing their education, the refugee children faced additional challenges in finding employment. They often faced discrimination and prejudice in the job market, and many ended up in low-paying or unskilled jobs. However, some were able to establish successful careers in various fields, including academia, medicine, and business.

Identity and Belonging

One of the most significant challenges faced by the refugee children was the formation of their identity. They had left behind their home countries and cultures, and they had to find a way to forge a new sense of belonging in New Zealand. This was a complex and often painful process, as they grappled with their past experiences and their present reality.

Many of the refugee children felt a sense of isolation and loneliness. They missed their families and friends back home, and they struggled to connect with their peers in New Zealand. However, they also found strength and support within their own communities. They formed bonds with other refugees and immigrants, and they established cultural and social organizations that helped them to preserve their heritage and to create a sense of belonging.

Resilience and Legacy

Despite the challenges they faced, the refugee children who arrived in New Zealand during the 1940s and 1960s demonstrated remarkable resilience. They overcame adversity and built new lives for themselves and their families. They made significant contributions to New Zealand society, and their legacy continues to inspire generations of New Zealanders.

The story of the refugee children is a story of hope and resilience. It is a reminder of the human capacity to overcome adversity and to create a better future.

Facing the Past: Looking Back at Refugee Childhood in New Zealand 1940s–1960s

by Ann Beaglehole

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1679 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	302 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE