"Documenting the life of the Hungarian community in New Zealand"
- Az új-zélandi magyar közösség lapja.
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On Sunday the 21st we had a pleasant meeting at the Danish Society's rooms. Some people played table tennis or chess, while others sat around catching up with the latest gossip. Supper was provided by Steve Muik, and Nándor Magó looked after the bar. After dinner John Petrie entertained us with Hungarian songs. Members in a sing along mood joined in to have a jolly good sing along.
On the 12th of December we held our Christmas party. Well over 100 people came along. The dance group opened the short program with a colourful folk dance. ádám and áron Magó, Anikó Pristopán, and Edit Simpson recited poems, and we all sung together a traditional Christmas song. For the finale, the dance group surprised us with a fantastic modern dance to everybody's delight. In the meantime Mikulás arrived, bringing lots of presents in a big green sack. Later on a clown entertained the little ones, and our resident accordionist John Petrie the grown ups. The festive dinner was prepared and served by a team of helpers. Lili Weisz-Köves donated a big tray of lovely delicacies for the raffle, won by one of our dancers, Valda Kerekes.
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For the October 23 commemoration, here in Wellington on a pleasant spring day with a typical gently breeze, we gathered at the Magyar Millennium Park to remember and reflect. Among those present, this was a time for many to reflect on personal memories of life-changing tragic experiences and to give thanks for being fortunate enough to have found a home here in New Zealand.
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The wreath of red, white and green was donated and laid by Christine Hegedus and her father, Paul, who had just recently returned from more than a year in Hungary. Many of those who attended also laid personal flowers of remembrance at the foot of the “kopjafa” (wooden plinth). Afterwards we all went on to Connolly Hall where we watched a documentary (courtesy of Klára Katona in Christchurch) made for the 30th anniversary of the 1956 uprising made by Australian television entitled CRY HUNGARY. Many of those watching the documentary were visibly moved and misty eyed by what they saw and the memories it brought back. After the documentary ended there was silence in the room for some minutes while people readjusted their thoughts back to the present. Among those who came along to the commemoration was Nándor Tánczos, current member of Parliament, who is of Hungarian descent, together with his partner Sharney and little daughter, Primaia. Joining us also was a visitor from Hungary, Dr Kristina Szegedi as well as some local Hungarians whom we don't often see. The rest of the afternoon was passed in friendly conversation and consumption of the cakes and goodies brought by many for the shared afternoon tea.
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The Mikulás party for the children was held on December 4. In what has become a tradition over the years, éva Bródy-Popp once again took on the bulk of responsibility for the programme for this event. Mikulás (László Hidvégi) and his helper, “Krampusz” (Márton Bródy-Popp) were resplendent in their respective attire. The children enjoyed activities and a sing along of traditional Christmas songs. The adults also enjoyed chatting and sharing a lovely cake baked by Márta Drengubiak along with tea and coffee.
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On the 23rd of October at 11 Hardy Street, the Christchurch Hungarian Club's Club House, we remembered the 1956 October Revolution as well as the 6th of October 1849 Arad Martyrs' Day, and All Saints Day on the 1st of November. The President opened the programme, Elizabeth Pálfi made a speech in English and Márta Kohajda in Hungarian and five poems were read by club members. There were 47 people present. Dinner was served after the programme, on the menu: stuffed cabbage and cakes. József and Margaret Miklós were congratulated on their 50th wedding anniversary. The afternoon finished in a friendly atmosphere, with some members playing some games of pool.
On the 31st of October bid we farewell to our former president, Antal Som. He served Club members for three years with his good, diligent, and helpful work. He has returned to his old home in Hungary to stay there for good. 38 people were at the farewell, including many of his friends and Club members. They presented him with a nice greenstone gift.
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In Memoriam: Recently we lost one of our younger members: János Bartos passed away suddenly. He was only 32. A funeral service was held here, and many of his friends and family were present. His remains have since been sent back to his birthplace in Hungary, where more than 1000 attended his funeral.
We also said farewell to one of our long time Club members, József Kiss, who passed away after a long illness. Many of us attended his funeral. We will sadly miss him from our Club.
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This year we had our Christmas party on Saturday, the 4th of December at the Kaituna Bowling Club - a very good location to which we have access thanks to József Bizó and József Veldi being members.
This year we had a theme... to wear something Hungarian. Some people wore everyday clothes with a red, white and green mixture, or a tie in those colours. Many women wore blouses with traditional embroidery. They were all beautiful and no two were alike.
Charlie Campbell was our Mikulás and he handed out gifts for the children. József Veldi was Krampusz and had a good time going around and beating the women with a branch from a tree.
One of our members set up a mobile karaoke/video unit which we used to play music videos throughout the evening, very enjoyable. There was a delicious variety of dishes for supper which was another successful BYO. The club provided disposable, hologram printed, plates with a blue and white Christmas theme - a most attractive dinner set for the occasion.
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