New Zealanders in Greece (Griwis)

New Zealand National Elections, Saturday 26 November 2011

2011-11-24T09:41:00.001+02:00

Follow what's happening in the

New Zealand Elections on

and,if you're voting, make sure you don't mention the weather, because under the 1993 Electoral Act, "statements such as `weather looks a bit bleak, turnout quiet at this polling place' would be prohibited as such a statement could be construed as discouraging people from voting"...

70 Years On...A Heroes' Welcome from the President of the Hellenic Republic, H.E. Mr Karolos Papoulias for New Zealand's Battle of Crete Veterans

2011-06-02T23:32:00.001+03:00

"Εισαστε ήρωες μιας πολύ σημαντικής μάχης για την Ευρώπη και για όλο τον κόσμο. "Αντισταθήκατε σε μέρες που ο ναζισμός φαινόταν ανίκητος.

Και αντιμετώπισε το δικό σας σθένος, τη δικιά σας θέληση για την ελευθερία.

Και υπέστη ο Χίτλερ τη μεγαλύτερη ήττα και έχασε ένα από τα πλέον επίλεκτα σώματά του, τους αλεξιπτωτιστές.

Και αυτό είχε άμεσες συνέπειες στα αμέσως επόμενα σχέδιά του, όπως ήταν η δι’ αέρος κατάληψη της Μεγάλης Βρετανίας.

Ήρθατε από πολύ μακριά, από τη Νέα Ζηλανδία.

Και χύσατε το αίμα σας στην Ελλάδα".

Οι δυο λαοί μας συνδέονται με δεσμούς αίματος.

Και δεν υπάρχει πιο δυνατός δεσμός.

Σας ευχαριστούμε και σας ευγνωμονούμε γι’αυτή τη μεγάλη θυσία.

Είμαι εξαιρετικά συγκινημένος που σας συναντώ σήμερα. Αλλά ήταν και μεγάλη μου τιμή και μεγάλη μου χαρά να σας σφίξω το χέρι.

Ήσασταν νέα παιδιά όταν αντιμετωπίσατε τον χιτλερισμό. Και δεν πτοηθήκατε.

Και έχουμε και κάτι άλλο προσωπικά κοινό μαζί: και εγώ 15 χρόνων βγήκα στα βουνά της πατρίδας μου και πολέμησα τον χιτλερισμό.

Σας ευχαριστώ.

"You are heroes of a very significant battle for Europe and for the whole world.
You resisted at a time when Nazism seemed invincible.
But it encountered your determination and courage, your thirst for freedom.
And Hitler suffered one of his greatest losses, his elite parachutists.
That of course impacted on his immediate plans for the aerial invasion and control of Great Britain.
You came from faraway, from New Zealand and you shed your blood in Greece.
Our two peoples are united with bonds of blood and there is no greater bond.
We are grateful and thank you for this great sacrifice.

I am extremely moved that I am meeting you today.
But it is also a great honour and a pleasure for me to shake hands with you all.
You were young men when you came face to face with Hitlerism. You didn't cower.
We also have something else in common, I too fought as a 15 year old against Hitlerism in the mountains of my homeland

I thank you"

With these emotionally charged words, the President of the Hellenic Republic, His Excellency Mr Karolos Papoulias, to the Presidential Mansion in Athens. In a simple but warm and emotional ceremony by Greece's Head of State , the New Zealand Battle of Crete Veterans were welcomed as heroes, showing them how truly appreciative the Hellenic people are of the sacrifices they made during those days in May 1941...

The surviving Battle of Crete Veterans continue to be so greatly committed and motivated as to undertake such a long journey, despite their advanced age (they are all now into their 90s) and any health problems they may face. A living testament of the friendship between Greece and New Zealand are truly inspiring and an honour for all of us.

The delegation of New Zealand veterans of the Battle of Crete and families, The Enduring Legacy Group, was led by the former Mayor of Wellington, Kerry Prendergast, who despite her recent personal tragedy put on a tremendous effort. The group arrived in Greece on the 16th May 2011 for the 70th Anniversary celebrations of that epic battle and their first appointment was with the President of Greece.

Our honourable veterans Bill Bristow, Brant Robinson, Roye Hammond, Jim Wilson and Bain McKay, along with Kerry Prendergast, Angelo Papageorgiou, a recipient of Greece's Order of the Phoenix and a Greek Community representative on the Organising Committee, Robin Klitscher, immediate Past President of the RSA and Robin Lloyd whose uncle fought in Crete, and myself made up the small party that was received by the President of the Hellenic Republic.

President Papoulias welcomes the veterans,
Photo Source: ANA-MPA

In a private meeting with the delegation, President Papoulias listened carefully to the personal stories of each of the veterans and, visibly moved, recounted his own experiences as a young lad in the resistance.

President Papoulias then presented each Veteran with a gift, a symbolic gesture of gratitude from the people of Greece to these largely unsung heroes, who came from the other side of the world to fight for humanity and peace.

The photos below are my photos from the reception at the Presidential Mansion

Waiting for President Papoulias to arrive

Sophia Economou-Nikiforakis, Bain McKay, Robin Loyd,Jim Wilson, Angelo Papageorgiou, Bill Bristow, Brant Robinson, Roye Hammond, Kerry Prendergast

Sophia Economou-Nikiforakis, Bain McKay, Robin Loyd,Jim Wilson, Angelo Papageorgiou, Bill Bristow, Brant Robinson, Roye Hammond, Kerry Prendergast, Robin Klitscher

President Papoulias welcomes former Wellington Mayor, Kerry Prendergast

President Papoulias welcomes RSA Past President Robin Klitscher

President Papoulias welcomes veteran Roye Hammond

President Papoulias welcomes veterans Brant Robinson and Bill Bristow

President Papoulias welcomes veteran Jim Wilson Bain McKay

President Papoulias welcomes veteran Bain McKay with Angelo Papageorgiou and myself looking on

Elegant majesty and classic grecian architecture combined
- the impressive entrance of the Presidential Mansion

The delegation in the lobby of the wonderful Neoclassical building which used to be the Royal Palace.

We couldn't resist the temptation to take souvenir photos in this magnificent setting

Veterans Bain Mc Kay, Roye Hammond and Jim Wilson in front of

two members of the elite Presidential Guard, one dressed in the traditional Cretan uniform specifically for this occasion, the other in the standard Evzon uniform

The veterans rest before our departure from the Presidential Mansion, as the two members of the elite Presidential Guard stand by along with Ambassador Dafaranos

An Evzon , one of the members of the elite Presidential guard, on duty in his ceremonial uniform, part of which is the traditional foustanella. Made with 400 pleats, one for each year of slavery during Ottoman occupation of Greece

The entrance to the Presidential Mansion

A well deserved salute for Veteran Bill Bristow by one of the elite Presidential Guard Evzons as he exits the Presidential Mansion under the watchful eye of Kerry Prendergast and Robin Klitscher

A final pause for Robin, Angelo, Kerry and myself on the steps of the Presidential Mansion shortly before our departure

As President of the Hellenic New Zealand Association, I was immensely pleased to have been able to organise this very significant meeting with the President and honoured to be part of such a historic event. We are grateful to the staff at the Presidency and especially Ambassador Dafaranos, who are to be commended for their cooperation and invaluable assistance.

In the evening of the same day we also organised a cocktail dinner in honour of the delegation at their hotel.

It was an honour and a privilege for the members of the New Zealand community in Athens and indeed all those present, to be with the veterans and the families of veterans as well as the other members of the Enduring Legacy Group before they set off for Crete and the celebrations there.

Whilst the Greek Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr Demetris Dollis was also hoping to attend the function, he was unable to do so. Instead he sent the following message which I read out to the veterans and the rest of the delegation during the dinner.

Message of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
on the occasion of the New Zealand Veterans’ Delegation to Greece
for the 70th anniversary celebrations of the Battle of Crete

The Battle of Crete, whose 70th anniversary is celebrated this year, marks an important moment in the Second World War, symbolically and strategically. Fighting against a superior number of Nazi elite troops, the heroic combatants of the united allied forces together with the civilian population of Crete fought for the values of freedom, dignity and democracy and sacrificed their lives defending their love for independence against the threat of a tyranny.

According to many historians, the Battle of Crete altered the course of the Second World War, since the Nazi troops, apart from their great losses in the battlefield, slowed down their planning to expand the theater of war to the Soviet Union, initially scheduled to take place in a favorable, climatologically, season.

Honoring the memory of the heroic defendants of the island we also honor our Australian and New Zealand allies, with whom the Greek army and civilian population fought side by side. The loss of the New Zealanders, Australians and Greeks defending their ideals, forms an inextricable bond uniting past, current and future generations of our countries.

Our common history, not only in Crete, but also in other fronts of the two World Wars will always remind to us and to our children that the sacrifice of one’s life for a great cause is the most noble act of all, the one that creates history, elevates human nature and leaves a precious legacy to future generations.

Demetri Dollis

Welcome Speech on the occasion of the function held in honour of the NZ WWII
Veterans visit for the Battle of Crete at the Hotel Parthenon, Athens, Greece
Athens 16 May 2011

Dear Veterans, Kerry, Costa members of the Enduring Legacy Group and friends,

Kia Ora! Kalos Ilthate! Welcome!

Today has been an incredible day. Earlier today I was honoured to be part of a small group of people received by the President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr Karolos Papoulias - a very memorable and moving meeting with the veterans, Kerry, Angelo, Robin and Robyn.

On behalf of the New Zealanders living in Greece, or Griwis as we call ourselves, it is once again an honour, and a privilege, to welcome you to Greece, a land that cradles in its arms so many New Zealand servicemen who came to the other side of the world and fell in the course of duty.

We welcome you to Athens, the first stop of your pilgrimage, on your way to Crete, to take part in the celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the epic Battle for Crete.
The strong spirit of friendship, which exists between the Hellenic and New Zealand people, was forged and strengthened by the devastating experiences shared by them during those historic days in May of 1941! The Battle of Crete is the next most significant event in New Zealand history after Gallipoli.

The bonds forged on that battlefield still hold strong today. They continue to be built upon in the day-to-day intermingling of the two peoples and remain unique in a world of increasingly materialistic values and objectives.

Your pilgrimage is evidence of this. Some of you, are yourselves, revered veterans of this battle; some of you are family members, representing, and honouring, those who are no longer with us, or who are unable to undertake this long trip; Whichever is the case, you are all here on a spiritual journey, to relive and trace those very significant moments in your personal family history, a personal history, which left its mark on world history itself.

It is no secret that the delay experienced by the German forces as they fought harder and longer than anticipated to take control of Crete and Greece, was instrumental in delaying the campaign, ultimately affecting the possible outcome of the War.

Many of us here today have relatives who gave unstintingly, offering whatever they could - food, shelter, protection, nursing care for the wounded, or guidance over the Cretan mountains to eventual freedom. They knew that what they were doing was extremely dangerous but deliberately ignored the cost of their actions, forever grateful to soldiers who had come to the other side of the world to fight with them.

My own father-in-law is one of those valiant Cretans who helped a New Zealand soldier escape over those mountains, hopefully to safety. Both he and my mother-in-law, 8 months pregnant at the time, considered it an honour until their final days to have helped him, even though they don’t know if he made it.

There are others here who have a similar tale; maybe you can help.

We welcome you all to Greece for the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete, and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the sacrifices you, your forbears, and fellow soldiers made, so that we, and all the future generations, could live in a free, democratic and peaceful world.

Welcome!

Sophia Economou-Nikiforakis
President
Hellenic New Zealand Association

The gift given to each of the Veterans by President Papoulias

Veteran Malcolm Coughlan and Kerry Prendergast

Veteran Brant Robinson with Sophia and Kerry Prendergast

New Zealand's Honorary Consul-General in Greece, Mr Costas Cotsilinis also welcomed the veterans and advised them of the procedures to be followed once they were in Crete.

On Wednesday 18 December, the Enduring Legacy Group along with the other NZ Veterans group from New Zealand laid wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Hellenic Parliament in Syntagma Square.

This was followed by a second wreath-laying ceremony at the Commonwealth Cemetery in Alimos.

Related Links:

Press

Presidency Programme 16 May 2011

Presidency Press Release

Videos

In the video shown below, Battle of Crete Veteran Roye Hammond shares some of his memories with us just before the Enduring Legacy Group set off from New Zealand for the 70th Anniversary celebrations in Greece.

Stories

You may like to read the story of Ned and Katina, which is the real life love story of Ned Nathan, a wounded New Zealand soldier from the Maori Battalion who was cared for by a Cretan family, and Katina Torakis, the daughter of the family, who eventually married Ned and moved to New Zealand.

It has been beautifully documented by author Patricia Grace and makes wonderful reading for those who would like to read about this period of time.

NZ Foreign Minister Murray McCully Meets Greek Counterpart Dimitris Droutsas

2011-04-27T21:39:00.001+03:00

Greek Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas receives NZ Foreign Minister Murray McCully

in Athens today

Source: Athens News

Greek Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas received

New Zealand

Foreign Minister Murray McCully in Athens on Wednesday, discussing the situation in the Mediterranean and issues of bilateral political and economic cooperation. The visit is taking place ahead of celebrations marking the 60th anniversary since the Battle of Crete in May 1941.

After the meeting, the two ministers emphasised the significance of the Battle of Crete where Greeks and New Zealanders fought side by side in WWII, winning a victory that is widely regarded as decisive for the final outcome of the world war.

New Zealand Defence Minister Wayne Mapp will also be visiting the island of Crete in the next few days to attend celebrations for the anniversary.

In statements after the meeting, Droutsas again condemned the violent tactics of Syrian authorities to quell demonstrations in Syria, insisting that reforms were the only solution. Commenting on developments in the Arab world, he underlined that violence was not a solution and that only the search of a political solution was viable in the long term.

The Greek minister also briefed his counterpart on Athens' efforts to ensure the accession of the western Balkans to the European Union and to find a solution in the name dispute with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

McCully noted that New Zealand was distant geographically but very close to Europe in terms of the European values of democracy, the rule of law and human rights. He described his talks in Athens as very constructive.

Droutsas underlined that the economic reforms currently taking place in Greece will make it a very attractive prospect for foreign investors and he emphasised the country's potential as a gateway for investors to southeast Europe and as a tourist destination.

McCully also had talks with Deputy Foreign Minister Spyros Kouvelis on Tuesday on bilateral economic relations, with emphasis on energy issues and especially renewable energy sources. Other topics discussed were developmental cooperation and humanitarian aid to

Afghanistan

. (ANA)

Source: Athens News

To read Greek MFA Press Release, Click Here

ANZAC Day 2011 in Greece - LEST WE FORGET...

2011-04-23T17:22:00.000+03:00

Lest we forget....

They shall grow not old....as we that are left grow old

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,

We will remember them,We will remember them...

Australia New Zealand Army Corps

Lest we forget....

The Australian Embassy has invited New Zealanders and Australians and friends of both countries to attend the ANZAC Day Commemorative Celebrations

on

Easter Monday 25 April 2011, 11.00 a.m.

at

The Commonwealth War Cemetery

in

Alimos

(Posidonos Avenue and Ethnarhou Makariou Street)

Let's all be there, as we are every year, to honour the memory of those valiant young men who came to the other side of the world to fight , not just in World War I but in World War II as well, so that we could be free.

Kali Anastasi - Happy Easter to all our friends!

Hellenic New Zealand Association,

Athens, Greece

ANZAC Day
Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War, and is held every year on April 25th.

The Gallipoli campaign

In 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of an Allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli Peninsula, under a plan to open the way to the Black Sea for the Allies. The objective was to capture Istanbul, the capital of the Ottoman Empire and an ally of Germany
The ANZAC force landed at Gallipoli on 25 April, meeting fierce resistance from the Turkish Army commanded by Ataturk. What had been planned as a bold strike to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stale-mate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months. At the end of 1915, the Allied forces were evacuated after both sides had suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. Over 8,000 Australian and 2,700 New Zealand soldiers died. News of the landing at Gallipoli made a profound impact on Australians and New Zealanders at home and 25 April quickly became the day on which they remembered the sacrifice of those who had died in war.

Though the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives of capturing Istanbul and knocking Turkey out of the war, the Australian and New Zealand troops' actions during the campaign bequeathed an intangible but powerful legacy. The creation of what became known as an ANZAC Legend became an important part of the national identity in both countries, shaping the ways their citizens viewed both their past and their future.

Read More at Wikipedia

Death Toll rises to 147 as New Zealand Stops for 2 Minutes of Silence for Christchurch...

2011-03-01T12:43:00.001+02:00

Source: TVNZ

People gather in Wellington's Parliament Gardens for the 2 minute vigil

Much of New Zealand came to a standstill this afternoon to remember the victims of last week's Christchurch earthquake. The two minutes silence was observed at 12.51pm, exactly a week since the 6.3 magnitude quake struck the city, killing many people.

In Christchurch, Prime Minister John Key and his wife Bronagh joined Christchurch mayor Bob Parker at the Arts Centre to mark the two minutes' silence.

The service at parliament was attended by the Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand and Lady Satyanand, Deputy Prime Minister Bill English, church and faith representatives, parliamentarians and members of the Diplomatic Corps...

Heartening to see that many New Zealanders living abroad along with friends of New Zealand also kept the 2 minute silence...

The video below, is a montage of photos from the earthquake set to the National Anthem - powerful, devastating, heartbreaking and particularly moving but at the same time full of strength, solidarity and determination to survive... a real tribute to the Kiwi psyche!

Kia Kaha Christchurch! Kia Kaha New Zealand!

Christchurch Earthquake - Death Toll continues to rise - 98 Confirmed

2011-02-24T10:43:00.001+02:00

The death toll from the devastating Christchurch earthquake has risen to 98 with police holding grave concerns for 226 people...

Prime Minister John Key warned the nation to prepare itself for the worst. "We are very fearful tonight that the death toll could be much greater than any of us ever feared," he said.
He also said it could be weeks before families had their loved ones' bodies returned.
read more

The video below from TVNZ allows us to share just some of the agony and the horror of what the people of Christchurch lived through and what our fellow NZers are continuing to live through as the search and recovery process continues and the death toll rises ... With other cities around NZ being continuously under threat of an impending major earthquake, and Wellington in particular which has been expecting a 'biggie' for as long as I can remember and where we were drilled from the Primers as to how to react, I am sure that these scenes simply confirm our worst expectations...

I have been unlucky enough to be in both major earthquakes in Athens, the first in February of 1981 and the second in 1999, and my reactions were almost automatic- the earthquake drills we had from our early childhood days in Wellington proving once more how important prevention training is...

Reminder:

Don't forget Google's Person Finder for those looking for missing persons, or for those who have information about someone missing...

Contact number to ask about missing persons 00 64 7 8502199

Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost their loved ones or await news of missing persons... we hope for the best for them.

We understand that as far as members of the Greek Community in Christchurch are concerned, all seem to be well and accounted for so far...

You may also like to read a first hand report of the events from Artanis - the wife of the Greek School teacher in Christchurch who writes a blog on her family's life in Christchurch.

She starts off her latest post like this:

5 μήνες μετά τον σεισμό του Σεπτεμβρίου, την Τρίτη 22/2 είχαμε όπως μάθατε κι εσείς, μια νέα δόνηση, μεγέθους 6,3 ρίχτερ, που χτύπησε στις 12.51 το μεσημέρι...Οι ζημιές είναι τεράστιες, υπάρχουν μέχρι στιγμής 75 νεκροί, και εκατοντάδες αγνοούμενοι, το ιστορικό κέντρο της πόλης, ισοπεδώθηκε: το καμπαναριό του καθεδρικού κατέρρευσε, το κτίριο της τηλεόρασης κατέρρευσε παγιδεύοντας δεκάδες, παλιά και νέα μοντέρνα κτίρια έπεσαν ή είναι ετοιμόρροπα, και μεγάλος μέρος της πόλης δεν έχει νερό και ηλεκτρικό, και για αποχέτευση ούτε λόγος...Read more

Fingers crossed for EVERYONE...

Tragedy in Christchurch as 6.3 R Earthquake Devastates City...75 Confirmed deaths

2011-02-23T11:16:00.002+02:00

Source:Stuff NZ

'It doesn't matter where you are in the world, you are always a kiwi at heart and hurt for your country in it's hour of need when tragedy strikes. We are a small country that has suffered devastating tragedies in the last few months. We love you New Zealand. You can take a kiwi out of the country but you can't take the kiwi out of our hearts'

Vera Zivadinovic Georgiou - one of our Griwis living in Australia

We all listened to the news in disbelief as we struggled to come to grips with the tragic news we all woke up to in Athens this morning ...

Christchurch, one of the loveliest of New Zealand's cities had had a major earthquake - 6.3 on the Richter scale, smaller than September's but much more destructive as it took place at 1 in the afternoon with a lot of people around... 65 people confirmed dead and a worst case scenario of possibly up to 400 human lives - a tragedy for our people and for New Zealand, one of New Zealand's darkest days.

As the day breaks in New Zealand and the search and rescue teams resume their task, our thoughts and prayers, wherever in the world we may be, go out to our fellow Kiwis - to those who have lost their loved ones, to all those waiting to be rescued and to those who are living with the agony of uncertainty...

KIA KAHA AOTEAROA - NEW ZEALAND BE STRONG - ΝΕΑ ΖΗΛΑΝΔΙΑ ΚΡΑΤΑ ΓΕΡΑ

Latest Update:

55 identified bodies, at least another 20 confirmed deaths. At least 300 people missing, says Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker

USEFUL INFORMATION:

For all those who would like to get futher information on the Christchurch Earthquake

www.civildefence.govt.nz

www.canterburyearthquake.org.nz

If anyone wants to find out about specific persons in Christchurch the following site has been set up by Google:

http://christchurch-2011.person-finder.appspot.com

To ask about people in New Zealand you may be concerned about, you can call:

00 64 7 8502199

On Facebook several groups have been set up also:

Facebook Page - Christchurch Quake Live

Supporting Christchurch Earthquake 22-02-11

Other Links:

Graphic of the earthquake and aftershocks

Slideshow of the damage from Naftemboriki Greece

Latest updates from Tourism New Zealand

Quake shakes 30 Million Tons of Ice off Tasman Glacier

TV NZ Live Updates

Eye Witness Accounts of the Quakes - Stuff NZ

Helping out - What you can do

Donations via Red Cross NZ

For those of us outside New Zealand the only help we can really offer is financial assistance. As an association we will endeavour to raise funds for our fellow New Zealanders in need. For those who would like to make a donation directly you can do so on line via

New Zealand Red Cross Secure on line Credit Card Donations

Please note that if you have any information you would like us to post, or that you would like to share with us, please leave a note in the visitor's book on the sidebar or email us at

griwis@gmail.com

Wellington - The Coolest Little Capital In The WORLD - Part II !!!

2011-02-10T09:36:00.000+02:00

A great video on 'The Coolest Little Capital in the World!' Enjoy!

Thanks to Vera L for pointing it out!

Wellington - The Coolest Little Capital In The WORLD!!!

2010-11-18T15:21:00.000+02:00

ANZAC Day 2010 in Greece - LEST WE FORGET...

2010-04-22T10:55:00.001+03:00

Lest we forget....

They shall grow not old....as we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,

We will remember them,We will remember them...

Australia New Zealand Army Corps

Lest we forget....

The Australian Embassy has invited New Zealanders and Australians and friends of both countries to attend the ANZAC Day Commemorative Celebrations

on

Sunday 25 April 2010, 11.00 a.m.

at

The Commonwealth War Cemetery

in

Alimos

(Posidonos Avenue and Ethnarhou Makariou Street)

ANZAC Day
Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War, and is held every year on April 25th.

The Gallipoli campaign

In 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of an Allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli Peninsula, under a plan to open the way to the Black Sea for the Allies. The objective was to capture Istanbul, the capital of the Ottoman Empire and an ally of Germany
The ANZAC force landed at Gallipoli on 25 April, meeting fierce resistance from the Turkish Army commanded by Ataturk. What had been planned as a bold strike to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stale-mate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months. At the end of 1915, the Allied forces were evacuated after both sides had suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. Over 8,000 Australian and 2,700 New Zealand soldiers died. News of the landing at Gallipoli made a profound impact on Australians and New Zealanders at home and 25 April quickly became the day on which they remembered the sacrifice of those who had died in war.

Though the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives of capturing Istanbul and knocking Turkey out of the war, the Australian and New Zealand troops' actions during the campaign bequeathed an intangible but powerful legacy. The creation of what became known as an ANZAC Legend became an important part of the national identity in both countries, shaping the ways their citizens viewed both their past and their future.

Read More at Wikipedia

ANZAC Biscuits

To learn how to make traditional ANZAC biscuits, see previous post!

ANZAC Day in Athens...and ANZAC Biscuits!

2010-04-22T10:48:00.000+03:00

Athens put on it's best weather for ANZAC Day last year! We had all gathered at the Alimos Commonwealth War Cemetery to take part in the annual ANZAC Day celebrations, a very moving experience for all concerned.

After the ANZAC Day ceremony in Athens, we (my 9 year-old Anastasia and I) decided to make a batch of Allyson Gofton's Anzac Biscuits.... I had written the post but forgotten to post...sorry for the delay, but it's just in time for this year. See you all on Sunday!

"My Dad was a 'Digger' and proud of it, and the one thing that best recalls that time when we all pulled together is the Anzac biscuit, created with love by mums and daughters to send to their sons and fathers at the Front." - Allyson Gofton

A good friend from Wellington sent me the recipe just for the occasion! Thanks Gina - they are as good as we remember them...even without Golden Syrup. Incidentally, I have yet to find the equivalent in Greece...I used honey, but any suggestions welcome!

This recipe makes about 36. Preparation time: 15 minutes. Cooking time: 12-15 minutes

Ingredients:
1 cup flour,
1 cup sugar
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup desiccated coconut
175 grams butter
2 tablespoons golden syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1 teaspoon baking soda,
2 tablespoons boiling water

Preheat the oven to 180C. Lightly grease 1 or 2 baking trays or line with baking paper. In a large bowl, sift flour with a good pinch of salt. Stir in the sugar, rolled oats and coconut and make a well in the centre.

In a saucepan, melt the butter, golden syrup and vanilla essence together.

Dissolve the baking soda in the boiling water. Mix into the melted butter and quickly pour into the well. Mix all ingredients together quickly. Roll tablespoonfuls of the mixture into balls and place on the prepared trays. Flatten with the tines of a floured fork. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the biscuits have flattened out and have become a reddish-brown colour. Transfer to a cake rack. They will crispen as they cool. Store in an airtight container.

To make chocolate Anzacs, melt 150 grams dark chocolate either in the microwave or over the top of a double saucepan. Dip half an Anzac into the melted chocolate and allow the excess to fall off.

Place on a baking paper-lined tray and allow the chocolate to set before storing in an airtight container.

February 6, 2010 - Happy Waitangi Day to All New Zealanders!!!

2010-02-06T12:27:00.009+02:00

The Treaty Of Waitangi - Te Papa Museum

The Treaty Of Waitangi - Te Papa Museum - English

The Treaty Of Waitangi - Te Papa Museum - Maori

The Treaty Of Waitangi - Te Papa Museum - English

Happy Waitangi Day everyone!

I thought I would share with you all some of my Treaty of Waitangi pictures from the permanent exhibit at Wellington's Te Papa Museum, taken during my recent trip to New Zealand

The Treaty of Waitangi (Māori: Te Tiriti o Waitangi) is a treaty frst signed on February 6, 1840, by representatives of the British Crown, and various Māori chiefs from the northern North Island of New Zealand. The Treaty established a British governor in New Zealand, recognised Māori ownership of their lands and other properties, and gave Māori the rights of British subjects. However the English and Māori language versions of the Treaty differ significantly, and so there is no consensus as to exactly what was agreed. From the British point of view, the Treaty gave Britain sovereignty over New Zealand, and gave the Governor the right to run the country; Māori seem to have had a range of understandings, many of which conflicted with the British understanding. After the initial signing at Waitangi, copies of the Treaty were taken around New Zealand and over the following months many other chiefs signed.

Until the 1970s, the Treaty was generally ignored by both the courts and parliament, although it was usually depicted in New Zealand history as a generous and loving act on the part of the Crown. From at least the 1860s, Māori looked to the Treaty, with little success, for rights and remedies for land loss and unequal treatment by the state. From the late 1960s, Māori began drawing attention to breaches of the Treaty, and subsequent histories have emphasised problems with its translation. In 1975 the Waitangi Tribunal was established as a permanent commission of inquiry tasked with researching breaches of the Treaty by the Crown or its agents, and suggesting means of redress.

Today it is generally considered the founding document of New Zealand as a nation; despite this, the Treaty is often the subject of heated debate. Many Māori feel that the Crown did not keep its side of the bargain, and have presented evidence of this before sittings of the Tribunal, despite a contrary view from some in the non-Māori population that Māori pay too much attention to the Treaty and use it to claim 'special privileges'. The Crown is in most cases not obliged to give effect to the recommendations of the Tribunal, but nonetheless in many instances has accepted that it breached the Treaty and its principles. Settlements to date have consisted of hundreds of millions of dollars in money and assets, as well as apologies…

Click here to read more from Wikipedia.

See how much you know about the Treaty of Waitangi...
Take the Treaty of Waitangi Quiz (Source: NZ History on line)

King, Marcus 1891-1977 :The signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, Feb 6th, 1840 [Wellington, Free Lance] 1939

Representatives of the government and of the Māoris assembled at James Busby's residence, including Captain William Hobson. Henry Williams at the lower table explaining the text to a signatory, Captain J Nias, James Busby and Tamati Waka Nene.

Click here to see original at the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand,
Te Puna Matauranga O Aotearoa

NZ National Anthem - God Defend New Zealand...

2009-11-06T14:42:00.002+02:00

Great version of the New Zealand National Anthem, sung appropriately enough at a Rugby Test Match! Enjoy :)

For All Once Were Easters Living in Greece - This Post is Dedicated to Brenda, Julia, Laxmi and Judith ...RIP

2009-10-13T12:39:00.012+03:00

For Brenda, Julia, Laxmi and Judith who left us way too early...

Winds about the East hills blowing
Sound of glorious,carefree days,
Sweep the city spread beneath us,
Bid it join their echoing lays;

O brave youth with joy and singing;
Set the hills forever ringing,
Proud on high your standards raise.

Mind and body gain new courage,
From our lamp in radiance bright,
Though we fail, yet we will conquer,
Rise again and win the fight;

O brave youth with joy and singing
Set the hills forever ringing

TAKE AND GIVE TO ALL THE LIGHT!!!!

Glorious carefree days indeed! Remember everyone?

For those who don't know, when WEGC held it's jubilee, we had sent them our good wishes and a note with all the names of the 'Old Girls' living in Greece and the Headmistress, who was none other than our beloved Miss Janice Campbell, in her response advised us that a garden had been created in one section at the back of the school, near the Tennis Courts, and named Mediterranean Garden, in honour of all the Greek girls that had gone to the school...What a wonderful gesture!

Miss Campbell, on behalf of all of us Once Were Easters living in Greece, thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

This post was inspired by Maria Verivakis' Mediterranean Kiwi blog post 'Lumen Accipe et Imperti' . Although Maria went to a different college, Wellington Girls', the school motto was the same

Take the Light and pass it on...

To read the Once Were Easters Newsletter Click Here

Kiwi Expat Association (KEA) Calls for Nominations for the 2010 World Class New Zealand Awards

2009-10-12T16:17:00.008+03:00

NOMINATIONS FOR KEA's WORLD CLASS NEW ZEALAND AWARDS ARE OPEN

The World Class New Zealand Awards recognise successful New Zealanders who enhance the reputation of the nation on the world stage by being truly world class.

These awards are one of New Zealand's most important accolades for Kiwis who have made a significant contribution and an opportunity to celebrate New Zealand's international achievements.

This year a new category, 'Friend of New Zealand', has been introduced to recognise non-Kiwis who act as ambassadors promoting and celebrating New Zealand on the world stage.

‘World Class’ individuals are those individuals who:

• facilitate the exchange of information, knowledge or skills from and
about New Zealand
• foster New Zealand innovation and entrepreneurship
• act as a role model on the world stage
• promote New Zealand internationally, and
• build global connections with New Zealand.

If you know someone who is leading by example in helping to support Kiwi enterprise internationally, please put their name forward.

Award categories are:

• Friend of New Zealand
• New Thinking
• Biotechnology
• Creative Industries
• Finance, Investment & Business Services
• Information & Communications Technology
• Manufacturing
• Research, Science, Technology & Academia

You can also nominate a supreme winner who may come from outside of these categories.
Successful people who have made an outstanding contribution to New Zealand's economic development are eligible for nomination, whether they live at home or abroad

Nominations Close 15 October 2009

The Awards will be presented at a black-tie gala dinner in Auckland on 24 March 2010.

For full details and a nomination form Click here

Please email enquiries to: worldclass@keanewzealand.com

The World Class New Zealand Awards are presented by Kea, with support from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Keys Guests on the David Letterman Show

2009-09-29T14:40:00.003+03:00

New Zealand Prime Minister John Keys appearing as a guest on the David Letterman Show gave us all his view of the Top 10 Reasons to visit New Zealand!

Well done Prime Minister! You did well!

Lest We Forget...ANZAC Day 2009 in Greece

2009-04-21T22:09:00.009+03:00

Lest we forget....

They shall grow not old....as we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,

We will remember them,We will remember them

Australia

New Ze

aland

Army Corps

Lest we forget....

The Australian Embassy has invited New Zealanders and Australians and friends of both countries to attend the ANZAC Day Commemorative Celebrations

Saturday 25 April 2009, 11.00 a.m.

The Commonwealth War Cemetery

Alimos

(Posidonos Avenue and Ethnarhou Makariou Street)

Let's all be there, as we are every year, to honour the memory of those valiant young men who

came to the other side of the world to fight , not just in

World War I but in World War II as well, so that we could be free.

Hellenic New Zealand Association

ANZAC Day

Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War, and is held every year on April 25th.

The Gallipoli campaign

In 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of an Allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli Peninsula, under a plan to open the way to the Black Sea for the Allies. The objective was to capture Istanbul, the capital of the Ottoman Empire and an ally of Germany

The ANZAC force landed at Gallipoli on 25 April, meeting fierce resistance from the Turkish Army commanded by Ataturk. What had been planned as a bold strike to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stale-mate, and the campaign dragged on for eight months. At the end of 1915, the Allied forces were evacuated after both sides had suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. Over 8,000 Australian and 2,700 New Zealand soldiers died. News of the landing at Gallipoli made a profound impact on Australians and New Zealanders at home and 25 April quickly became the day on which they remembered the sacrifice of those who had died in war.

Though the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives of capturing Istanbul and knocking Turkey out of the war, the Australian and New Zealand troops' actions during the campaign bequeathed an intangible but powerful legacy. The creation of what became known as an ANZAC Legend became an important part of the national identity in both countries, shaping the ways their citizens viewed both their past and their future.

NZ Wins World Schools Debating Championships in Athens! Congratulations to all Concerned - it was a great debate!!!

2009-02-19T13:33:00.011+02:00

Team NZ - the Russel McVeagh New Zealand Schools' Debating Team won the World Schools' Debating Championships after defeating England in the Grand Final, yesterday in Athens.

In front of a packed auditorium at the Athens' College Theater in Psychico, a very impressive Team New Zealand beat England by a 6-1 margin, proposing the motion "That all illegal immigrants should receive amnesty".

On the way to the Grand Final New Zealand defeated Singapore, Scotland, Canada, Wales, Peru, the Netherlands, Chile, Bangladesh, and Germany.

New Zealand were runners-up at the 2008 Championships, losing on a 4-5 decision to England.

Christopher Bishop of the NZ Schools Debating Council says that its an amazing achievement for the team and reflects months of hard work. "This victory proves that New Zealand has some of the brightest and most articulate young people in the world", said Mr Bishop. "All New Zealanders should be very proud", he added.

It is the first time since 1995 that New Zealand has won the Championships, and the fourth time since 1988 (previous victories were in 1991, 1992, and 1995), making New Zealand the second most successful country ever to compete in the tournament.

The five person Russell McVeagh New Zealand Schools' Debating Team was selected at the national finals of the Russell McVeagh New Zealand Schools' Debating Championships held in May 2008.

The team comprises Maria English (Captain, Samuel Marsden Collegiate), Holly Jenkins (Sacred Heart College), Jennifer Savage (Wanganui Collegiate), Tom Chen (Hillcrest High School) and Ben Kornfeld (King's College). The team was coached by Julia Fetherston (an Australian law student and champion student debater) and Kevin Moar (a policy analyst at the Ministry of Health), and sponsored by Russell McVeagh, New Zealand's leading law firm.

The World Schools' Debating Championships, a global competition for high school debaters, has been held each year since 1988. This year's tournament involves 39 teams, including England, Wales, Scotland, India, Pakistan, the USA, South Africa, South Korea, and Japan.

(Source : NZPA)

Congratulations, everyone...it was a great debate...(reminded me of my debating days at Wellington East) and the subject of the debate most appropriate for a country like Greece where illegal immigrants are a very real problem as is the issue of what should be done - morally and legally!! It is worth noting that the majority of countries in the championships were non native language speakers... The host nation, Greece, was one of 39 other countries which competed at the 2009 Championships, and won the prize for the best debating team from a country which uses English as a Second Language.

Waitangi Day - February 6!!!

2009-02-05T16:28:00.007+02:00

Tomorrow is Waitangi Day - See how much you know about the Treaty of Waitangi...
Take the Treaty of Waitangi Quiz (Source: NZ History on line)

For all the things you wanted to know about the Treaty of Waitangi, click here to see what Wikipedia says.

For a picture depicting the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi click here.

Did you know that we have Rugby in Greece ? The National Team of Greece, Captain NZer Eden Tipene, Plays Israel TODAY-22/11/08

2008-11-22T11:45:00.007+02:00

On Saturday November 22^nd, at the Zirinio stadium in Kifissia at 14.00,the Greek National Rugby team is playing Israel for the prequalification for 2011. The captain is New Zealander Eden Tipene!

Everyone welcome!!!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Did you know?
• Rugby is the the 3rd most popular sport in the world after football and basketball.
• Rugby is played by more than 3 million athletes in about 100 countries.
• More than 3 billion TV viewers watched the Rugby World Cup 2004.

Attica Springboks...

History of the Club

The "Attica Springboks" club was established in October 2000 when players from the Athens Spartans Rugby Football team concluded that the development of the sport and competition requires the establishment of new clubs.
The club's name is a combination of the nick-name of the South African National Rugby Team "Springboks" (a kind of gazelle) and the place of foundation (Attica), since many of the founding members originate from South Africa.
At the beginning of 2001, the Hellenic Rugby Union Youth Development Academy was founded by Nick Clark and George Psaromatis (a qualified Level 2 coach from Australia). The Springboks team has been fortunate to receive a number of young players.
The club secured access to Glyka Nera Athletic ground, where games and training sessions take place every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. At the same place, the Youth Rugby Academy runs teaching and coaching sessions every Saturday morning for boys and girls aged between 7 and 18.
The Springboks Team participates in the Hellenic Rugby Championship which started in 2005-06 season.; Furthermore, the Club regularly organises friendly games with other Greek teams, as well as foreign teams that are visiting or on tour in Greece. The Team had a successful Tour in Romania in 2004 where it played against local teams. Every year the Team participates in the annual "Sevens" International Tournament in Salonica.

YES WE CAN!!! BARACK OBAMA's VICTORY SPEECH - Inspiring and Moving, a Tribute to Generations of People who Overcame!!! Good Luck America!

2008-11-06T16:29:00.010+02:00

...the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.
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A New Era for the USA- A Time of Change - History in the making...Barack Obama certainly has a nation behind him and the rest of the world wishing him well...this was his acceptance speech, particularly moving and inspiring!

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If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

It’s the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.

It’s the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled – Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.

It’s the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.

It’s been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.

I just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he’s fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation’s promise in the months ahead.

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the Vice President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.

I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nation’s next First Lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that’s coming with us to the White House. And while she’s no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.

To my campaign manager David Plouffe, my chief strategist David Axelrod, and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics – you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you’ve sacrificed to get it done.

But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to – it belongs to you.

I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn’t start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington – it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.

It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation’s apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory.

I know you didn’t do this just to win an election and I know you didn’t do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime – two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how they’ll make the mortgage, or pay their doctor’s bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America – I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you – we as a people will get there.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won’t agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government can’t solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it’s been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years – block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.

What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek – it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it’s that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers – in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people.

Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House – a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, “We are not enemies, but friends…though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection.” And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn – I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too.

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world – our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down – we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security – we support you. And to all those who have wondered if America’s beacon still burns as bright – tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.

For that is the true genius of America – that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that’s on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She’s a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing – Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn’t vote for two reasons – because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that she’s seen throughout her century in America – the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can’t, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.

At a time when women’s voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.

When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.

When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that “We Shall Overcome.” Yes we can.

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves – if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time – to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth – that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:

Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.

We Succeeded...just shows you that nothing ventured, nothing gained!!!

2008-10-16T14:49:00.003+03:00

Athens News has been saved thanks to you!

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Your immediate and overwhelming support to the Athens News has saved the day. An earlier decision to close the newspaper before selling it has been reversed, and we shall now continue publication, seamlessly going over to a new owner without missing a beat.

Hundreds of emails, faxes and letters have arrived in under a week from all over the world petitioning for our extension, and at last count over 1,600 people had signed our online petition. Our publisher’s phone has been ringing with investor interest.

All this betokens two things - the groundswell of support that exists within the thinking commuity for this newspaper, and the intrinsic value that the market sees in it. It is a heartening response in an age of declining newspaper sales and the rise of infotainment at the expense of real journalism. The entire staff joins me in thanking you, our readers, friends and supporters for your solidarity, which played the decisive role in keeping this newspaper alive.

John Psaropoulos
Editor
Athens News

3 Christou Lada Street
Athens 102 37

Tel. +30 210 33.33.705
Fax +30 210 33.33.706
www.athensnews.gr

That Icon of English-speaking Expatriates in Athens - The Athens News may soon be gone...do something now!!!

2008-09-29T15:16:00.007+03:00

Athens News under threat of closure

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

After nearly 57 years in circulation, the Athens News is under threat of closure. On September 25 it was announced to us by the Lambrakis Press, which has managed this newspaper since it entered the Lambrakis Foundation in 1993, that it will wind up the operation, possibly as early as Friday 3 October.

We are currently engaged in an effort to extend that deadline in order to find new investors to take over the title, archive and books. But it is impossible for any serious investor to carry out due diligence and responsibly and formally register their interest to our current owners within a week. We need an extension of at least a month, in which to make contact with the various potential investors currently reviewing our balance sheet and business plan.

We feel that a move to pull out the rug from under an independent newspaper which has served the thinking public since 1952 should not stand. We are therefore appealing to you, the community we exist to serve, to write an open letter to our publisher, Christos Lambrakis, under copy to us, appealing for an extension and presenting the case, as you see it, for our continued existence under a new owner.

Please send your letters to saveathensnews@gmail.com for publication and forwarding.

Thank you.

John Psaropoulos
Editor
Athens News
3 Christou Lada Street
Athens 102 37
Tel. +30 210 33.33.705
Fax +30 210 33.33.706
www.athensnews.gr

New Zealand General Elections - 8 November 2008! Let's all Vote!

2008-09-12T10:40:00.004+03:00

The NZ Government has just announced that New Zealand's General Election will be held on Saturday, 8 November 2008.

Please make sure you're enrolled to vote. There's no time to lose as the published electoral roll closes on 8 October. There is limited opportunity to enrol after that, but don't take a chance - enrol now.

KEA tells us that in the last election only 28,000 of over half a million eligible overseas Kiwis voted. Make sure you have your say, too.

If you're a New Zealand citizen over the age of 18 and you've visited New Zealand in the last three years, you're eligible to vote from anywhere in the world.

It's simple to enrol and download your voting papers online - and you can return your papers by post or fax. There's no need to visit a New Zealand consulate or embassy either, to enrol, or to vote.

Check out the information below for everything you need to enrol and vote.

And please tell all the other New Zealanders that you know who are living in Greece or abroad.

Happy Voting!!!

How to vote from overseas

(http://www.elections.org.nz/voting/votingsub/how-vote-overseas.html)

If you will be overseas at the time of the general election you can still vote by casting a special declaration vote.

Who can vote from overseas?

You can vote if you are enrolled and:

you are a New Zealand citizen and have visited New Zealand within the last three years, or
you are a permanent resident of New Zealand and have visited New Zealand in the last 12 months.

You can enrol or update your enrolment details online.

How do I vote?

Overseas voting opens on Wednesday 22 October.

Voting papers are not automatically sent to voters who are overseas. You cannot vote by email or return your voting papers electronically. If you are overseas at the time of this year's general election then there are four options open to you. You can:

1. Cast an advance vote

If you will be in New Zealand from Wednesday 22 October, you can cast an advance vote at any advance voting place.

2. Download voting papers

If you are overseas and are on the published electoral roll you will be able to download your voting papers from Wednesday 22 October. This is the quickest and easiest way to obtain your ballot paper.

3. Apply for a postal vote

You can apply to have voting papers posted to you. These are normally sent from New Zealand approximately three weeks before election day.

4. Vote in person

You will be able to vote in person at a number of overseas posts, including New Zealand diplomatic posts.

How can I check my enrolment details or enrol?

You can enrol or check and update your details online.

You can also:

pick up an enrolment form from any New Zealand diplomatic post
ask a friend or family member to complete an enrolment form for you.

If you would like a friend or family member in New Zealand to complete an enrolment form for you then they will need to be a registered elector and will need to print "Elector overseas - signed by their direction" on the form next to their signature.

If you would like the form completed by someone who holds a Power of Attorney for you then they must print "Elector overseas - Power of Attorney" next to their signature.

How can I find out more?

For questions about voting from overseas email overseas@elections.org.nz.

For questions about enrolling email enrol@elections.org.nz.

From within New Zealand call 0800 36 76 56

From overseas call +64 4 913 1346.

Wonderful Wellington!!!

2008-09-06T22:01:00.005+03:00

I came across something called Quotes about Wellington recently and thought I would share with you one that I rather liked...as a Wellingtonian I might be biased a little, but it is very true...

"Wellington is to Auckland what Melbourne is to Sydney, and what San Francisco is to Los Angeles. It has character instead of homogeneity; it is compact, not sprawling; it is quietly confident, not brash and in-your-face...Wellington is a diverse and sophisticated place that is too often left off the tourist trail."
Anna Fifield: Financial Times (UK)

Heavy Rain Causes Multiple Slips in Wellington

2008-09-06T21:42:00.001+03:00

NZPA | Saturday, 06 September 2008 (From Stuff.co.nz)

Council contractors in Wellington were out in force today clearing slips after heavy overnight rain.

Wellington City Council spokesman Richard MacLean said large slips fell in several suburbs, including one in Te Aro which partially buried a car.

"Contractors are working flat-out to clear roads blocked by mud, rubble and vegetation," he said.

As a result, motorists and cyclists were being warned to be cautious when travelling both around the city and some of the more isolated surrounding areas.

Wellington was hit yesterday by a cold southerly blast and the MetService said 45mm of rain fell in the city in the 24 hours until 9am today.

Kiwi Chef is Beijing Olympic Village Catering Manager

2008-08-08T00:07:00.008+03:00

Kiwi set to feed the world

By NICK VENTER in Beijing - The Dominion Post | Friday, 08 August 2008

The man in charge of feeding 10,000 Olympic athletes for the next two weeks speaks with an American accent and works for an American company but he'll be cheering for Kiwi Mahe Drysdale at the rowing venue tomorrow.

That's because Matt Moss, 36, catering operations manager at the Olympic Village, is a New Zealander.

He left the country 16 years ago to play rugby in Britain, Germany and the United States and wound up working for Aramark, the company that won the contract to supply about 3.5 million meals to athletes, coaches, officials and media during the Games. Read More

NZ Team Arrives in Beijing's Olympic Village

2008-08-07T23:47:00.006+03:00

Flag Raising Ceremony for NZ Olympic Team

New Zealand added a touch of colour and style to the traditional flag-raising ceremony in the Olympic village today.

After New Zealand team chef de mission Dave Currie had presented the mayoress of the village with a book about pounamu, the New Zealand flag was raised.

Then the team members sitting in the stand watching proceedings burst into a haka, much to the obvious delight of onlookers.

Besides New Zealand, Belgium, Uzbekhistan and Hungary had flag-raisings at the same ceremony, but it was the New Zealanders who stamped their mark on proceedings.

More : NZ Olympic Committee

For the Latest Results

Send Message to the Team-Send your message of support to your team in Beijing. Pick a favourite athlete or the whole team, your messages get to the athletes and really make a difference.

To the Family of Doujon Zammit - We Apologise!

2008-08-04T19:07:00.015+03:00

What is there to say to Doujon Zammit's family? What can we say to alleviate the pain? Words are meaningless at such moments. We just feel the need, along with 11 million other people living in Greece, and probably the 7 million expatriate Greeks all over the world, to pay our respects and to apologise from the bottom of our hearts for the dreadful events that terminated the life of your beloved Doujon in this beautiful country.

What can we say to that wonderful family, who despite the tragedy that has befallen them, rose above it all and decided to spare 4 other families from mourning their loved ones, by donating Doujon's vital organs for transplant. How can we not admire a father who has just lost his son in such a brutal fashion who has the strength and nobility of spirit to say that he had no hatred in his heart for the Greek people just for the ones that took away his son's life in such a brutal fashion. Everyone who saw Mr Oliver Zammit on television was moved to tears by the dignity, the strength, God only knows where he found it, and the magnitude of his generosity at such a dreadful time.

What worse could befall a parent? Every parent's worst nightmare come true and one he surely didn't expect when he and his family farewelled Doujon for his first overseas trip. He told us that he had encouraged his son to come to Greece because it was safer...I couldn't help but think when I heard that, that one's destiny is something that no mortal can change. Could it be that Doujon had his destiny marked out for him as we all have? He came into this world for a reason and, if we believe in God, then we must believe that he must also have been taken away from this world for a reason.

We were all outraged at this senseless violence - the people of Mykonos staged a protest against the thuggery and brutality of the cold-blooded murder by forming a human chain along the waterfront - Families, men and women of all ages, from babies to grandparents, all joined their hands in protest to show their support and solidarity with Doujon's family at these very difficult moments. However, we must all protest in our own way at the 'lawlessness' that has taken over our daily lives in Greece and leads to things like this. We live with so much endemic corruption that we take it for granted - we have almost acquired auto-immunity, but enough is enough. Doujon's murder and his family's stance have touched us all in a way that we hope will motivate us all to better things and to expect no less from the powers-that-be, starting from the exemplary punishment of all those to blame, and all those who act in ways that belittle and discredit this beautiful country and undermine its glorious history.

To Doujon's family - our deepest and sincerest condolences and may you find strength and comfort in the knowledge that everyone in Greece is with you and thanks you for the dignity, generosity and above all the humanity you showed in the face of what had to be the worst moment of your lives-the devastating and so premature loss of your beloved Doujon.
May he Rest in Peace...

John Psathas' Olympiad XXVIII, based on his Athens 2004 Opening Ceremony Music to be premiered by NZ Symphony Orchestra in Beijing

2008-07-31T14:59:00.016+03:00

NZ Symphony Orchestra To Appear At Olympic Cultural Festival In Beijing

22nd July 2008 From NZ Musician

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra has been invited to perform at the Olympic Cultural Festival in Beijing as part of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Performances will include John Psathas' Olympic Music (based on his 2004 Athens opening ceremony music), and Gareth Farr's Te Papa (incorporating a karanga and featuring Deborah Wai-Kapohe as soprano soloist). More

Olympiad XXVIII - August, 29 2008 at Forbidden City Beijing
The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra gives the world premiere of Psathas’ "Olympiad XXVIII" - a new suite of symphonic arrangements based on his music for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Athens 2004 Olympics Games

About John Psathas

It was with a great sense of pride that we found out that Greek New Zealander John Psathas' music was a major part of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies - definitely a highlight of John’s career to date.

John commuted several times between Wellington and Athens to work on the music and supervise the rehearsal process. His music included a number of fanfares and processionals to accompany the arrival of the IOC President, the lighting of the Olympic cauldron and preceded the Olympic oaths, and he was responsible for the soundtrack to the entire flame sequence of the ceremony.

John also arranged the National Anthem of Greece, the Olympic Hymn and music by Shostakovich, Debussy and the foremost living Greek Composer Mikis Theodorakis that accompanied other parts of the ceremony. Watch the Cauldron Lighting at the Opening Ceremony for one of John's adaptations

John Psathas is not only one of New Zealand's most frequently performed composers, he is also one of the finest and most talented of the younger generation of composers in New Zealand.

His music is heard regularly on the world's concert stages, and has been performed by Michael Brecker, Joshua Redman, Evelyn Glennie, Pedro Carneiro, Federico Mondelci, Michael Houstoun, and many fine ensembles.

John was born in Wellington and grew up in Taumaranui and Napier. His parents, Emmanuel and Anastasia, have since returned to live in the family town of Michaniona in Northern Greece,. Today John lectures at the Victoria University School of Music but visits Greece regularly both for personal and professional reasons. Apart from his numerous visits to Greece in preparation for the Olympics, in December of 2006, he gave a series of concerts in Cyprus and in Patras, which was the Cultural Capital of Europe that year.

Some of John's most recent compositions are View from Olympus, which he wrote while on Sabbatical in Greece and stayed at the top of New Zealand's classical charts for 5 months, and ‘Zembekiko’, an entire programme of Greek music celebrating the heritage of Greek music from Antiquity to the present day. (John Psathas Brochure)

Although his music has been performed at the Megaron (Athens Concert Hall) in the past and will be performed again in October this year, we hope very soon to see one of John’s Greek-inspired works either ‘View from Olympus’ or 'Zembekiko' performed at the Herodeion or at the Megaron!!

Distinctions

Awarded the 2002 SouNZ Contemporary Award for View From Olympus
Named an Arts Laureate by the Arts Foundation in 2003.
His album Rhythm Spike was BEST CLASSICAL ALBUM 2000, and Fragments BEST CLASSICAL ALBUM - 2004, in the NZ MUSIC AWARDS.
At Victoria University School of Music he is nurturing a new generation of composers.
The NZ Herald named him as a contender for New Zealander of the Year 2004.
He was awarded Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in the 2005 list for his services to music.

Upcoming performances of John’s music in Greece

October, 20 2008 at Megaron Mousikis, Athens
"Helix" to be performed as part of the Greek Composers Series

More About John Psathas

John's Official Website

John Psathas at Wikipedia

John's My Space

View from Olympus

John’s Music Videos on You Tube

Tall Blacks' Haka before the Basketball Game with Greece.

2008-07-28T22:50:00.007+03:00

It was a great game, the Tall Blacks lost, 75-48, but one of the highlights for everyone in the Stadium was the New Zealanders' fiery performance of the traditional Maori Haka, a rare sight in Athens! It was extra special being there, believe me!

Watch it below - listen to the crowd cheer! They, and we, loved it...

Nana Mouskouri's Farewell Concert - A magical evening full of nostalgia, memories and beautiful melodies in the place where it all began - Athens!

2008-07-25T15:15:00.033+03:00

How does one describe a feeling? It’s hard unless you are a poet! Well, I would have loved to have been one on Wednesday 23 July as we sat in the ancient Herodes Atticus theatre or the Herodeion as we call it, waiting for Nana Mouskouri to start what was to be her final concert after 50 years of enchanting audiences all over the world.

There, below a gleaming Parthenon set against a brilliant blue sky which slowly acquired dusky hews we watched thousands of people streaming into this magnificent ancient theatre to take their places. It was a wonderful sight - people of all ages happily assembling to pay tribute to one of

Greece

's best known ambassadors. The younger generation of singers and artists like Maria Farandouri, Nikos Alliagas and Sakis Rouvas were also there to pay tribute to this great lady.

Just after 9 pm it was time for the concert to start and the screens which had been set up above the stage came to life, projecting scenes from Nana's life - pictures from childhood on, with people she loved and who loved her. Symbolic in a way because it was in the outdoor cinema where her father worked as a projectionist, as she told us later, close by in the suburb of Koukaki, that she began dreaming...dreams that would take her around the world and into millions of homes and hearts over the years ahead. One of those homes was ours...

As Nana's voice filled the theatre, memories came flooding back...

Memories of our Mt Victoria home, loving memories of the whole family, Mum, Dad, my sister Pagona and myself, with some of the usual visitors to our house sitting in front of the television to watch her BBC show every week as she sang and danced with her many and varied guests, from George Chakiris to Shari Lewis, Julio Inglesias and Marinella!

Our father adored her and had every disc he could get hold of in his record collection, and my sister and I inherited that adoration. Somehow we managed to pass it on to my 8 year old daughter, so here we all were with our good friend Maria, also from Wellington, sitting in this magnificent ancient theatre below a now illuminated Parthenon waiting for the concert to begin. (July is a month of sad memories in our household... it is the month that our father left this world, so we decided that our 'memorial service' to him and our mother this year would be to go to Nana's farewell concert.)

Those weekly 'concerts' in our living room were in both our thoughts as we sat and listened to this amazing lady give her last performance...

Memories... of my sister Pagona's weekly radio show, 'Kalispera Sas' on 2ZB, for the Greek Youth Association, GOYANZ, also featured heavily in our thoughts. Pagona played a lot of Nana's music on Kalispera Sas and she used to get lots of letters from listeners all over NZ saying how much they enjoyed the music she played...

Memories... of the Victoria University Greek Club and the flowers that we sent to Nana to welcome her on her first visit to New Zealand, even though she didn't come to Wellington on that first trip. She made up for it years later by visiting Wellington - twice!

Memories… of the French Department at Victoria, a lovely old house on Kelburn Parade, now replaced by the Von Zedlitz, and the Language Lab, where we listened to Nana singing 'Plaisir d’Amour',' Rose Blanche de Corfou' and countless other signature tunes – all designed to assist us in becoming more fluent. Memories of Jean-Philippe and Claire Jugand, Ms Piper, Dr Vrolyk , Mme Mortelier, and many others who taught us to appreciate the finesse and beauty of the French language through its Literature, Art and Music.

Honoured by Ath ens , the city she sang about so eloquently, earlier in the day, Nana's first song was indeed "Athina". Obviously moved, the emotion was apparent in her voice, and it brought the house down. The applause was deafening. (The last time I heard this song at a concert was at the Closing Ceremony of Athens' Unforgettable Olympics in 2004! What a year that was for

Greece

and what a fantastic homecoming for the Olympic Games after over 100 years. It really was very sad that they couldn't find a place for Nana at the Closing Ceremony - as the music for 'Athina' filled the Olympic Stadium that magical night in August of 2004, I remember thinking that if the songs that she made famous and had taken Greece to every corner of the world were there, then she too had every right to be part of the greatest celebration that Greece would ever host!)

As Nana went from song to song, everyone sang along with her. Standing ovation followed standing ovation, with PM Karamanlis standing up several times to applaud her. This was definitely an evening of symbolism, starting with the date. Exactly 24 years ago on the 23 of July of 1984, she gave her first concert ever at the Herodeion, in the presence of then President Konstantinos Karamanlis. 24 years later, another Karamanlis was in the audience to welcome her-his nephew, Prime Minister, Kostas Karamanlis who visited New Zealand last year and enjoyed the visit very much.

Nostalgia and sadness alternated with happiness and joy as she sang everything - from traditional Greek songs to Jazz, from country and western to 'Ta Paidia tou Peiraia' (Never on Sunday) to Beethoven's 9th Symphony-Song of Joy! As Nana tirelessly went through a programme of some of her most well-known and popular songs, songs that had the audience clapping, singing and foot-tapping for most of the three hours that she was on the stage, 'I didn't want to tire you' was her comment when the audience asked for more towards the end of the evening!

Thunderous applause followed every encore – the audience enchanted by her melodies and the memories she so generously shared with us refused to let her go and after coming back on stage several times, Nana thanked us all graciously and the Herodeion filled with the haunting lilt of her final song -'Hartino to Feggaraki' or 'Paper Moon' - the legendary Hadjidakis-Gatsos song that she first recorded in 1960. Nikos Gatsos, the poet, was her mentor, a man who taught her a lot, and told her to always look for the Moon and the Sun - the Sun so that she could always see the truth and the Moon so that she could weave her dreams …those dreams that she shared with us and for which we thank her…

THANK YOU, NANA, FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS!

THANK YOU FOR A TRULY UNFORGETTABLE EVENING.

THANK YOU FOR A WONDERFUL, NOSTALGIC CONCERT FULL OF MAGIC, BEAUTIFUL MUSIC, BRILLIANT SETTING... ONE OF ATHENS' MOST BEAUTIFUL, AND A FITTING TRIBUTE TO GREECE'S SONGBIRD.

THANK YOU FOR THE JOURNEY, THE DREAM AND, ABOVE ALL, THE MEMORIES!!...

Kiwi Tall Blacks vs Greece - 48-75! Good try! The Kiwis put up a good fight!

2008-07-19T11:13:00.011+03:00

It was great while it lasted but for the Kiwis the Olympic dream is over! The atmosphere in the Olympic Basketball Stadium was great, bringing back memories of our Unforgettable, Magical, Dream Olympics nearly 4 years ago. Unbelievable - Athens 2004 feels like yesterday!

I felt like the Lone Ranger - 1 silver fern flag amongst a sea of Aegean blue and white..

Here is what the press said...

Olympic dream shattered for Tall Blacks

NZPA | Saturday, 19 July 2008 www.stuff.co.nz

The New Zealand men's basketball team has been crushed in its attempt to qualify for the Olympics.

The team was humbled 48-75 by Greece in the quarterfinals of the Olympic qualifying tournament this morning.

Spurred on by a raucous crowd of 20,000 at the Olympic qualifying tournament quarterfinal, Greece were too classy in every department for a Tall Blacks side whose hopes of reaching the Beijing Games next month rested on a top-three finish.

It is the first time since 1996 that New Zealand won't field a men's basketball team at the Olympics.

A Tall Blacks side missing several unavailable or retired senior players always faced a daunting task against the tournament favourites and world championship silver medalists.

They were never in the hunt after a disastrous first five minutes in which they fell behind 15-2 and veteran forward Pero Cameron picked up two fouls.

The lead was pegged to 22-12 by quarter time but New Zealand steadily lost ground from from there, trailing 20-37 at halftime and 36-55 with a quarter to play.

A gulf in class was evident at both ends of the court, particularly when the Tall Blacks were in possession. more

For more info and points tables visit www.athens2008.fiba.com

NZ vs Greece - Friday 18 July 2008, 10.00PM OAKA, Athens - Let's all be there!!!

2008-07-17T16:56:00.009+03:00

Tall Blacks face high hurdle

By DANIEL GILHOOLY | Thursday, 17 July 2008 (www.stuff.co.nz)

The mountain New Zealand must scale to reach Beijing became obvious as they tried to leave the venue of the men's basketball Olympic qualifying tournament in Athens today.

After losing their final pool match 71-89 to Germany, the Tall Blacks found themselves stuck for nearly half an hour in the car park.

An enormous crowd was arriving to watch hosts Greece, the team New Zealand must somehow topple in the quarterfinals on Saturday morning (NZ time) to have any chance of competing at the Beijing Olympics. more...

Kiwi Tall Blacks Lose to Germany 71-89...if Greece wins (at the moment it is 73-58 to Greece) it will be a very interesting game for us Griwis!!!

2008-07-16T23:25:00.007+03:00

Tall Blacks lose to Germany

Thursday, 17 July 2008 (www.stuff.co.nz)

LATEST: New Zealand crashed to a 71-89 loss to Germany in their final pool match at the men's basketball Olympic qualifying tournament in Greece this morning (NZ time).

Despite 29 points from forward Kirk Penney, the Tall Blacks were only in contention through the early stages against taller, more experienced opponents in Athens.

Both sides had already qualified for the quarterfinals after easy respective wins over Cape Verde.

New Zealand's quarterfinal was to be played on Saturday morning (NZ time) against the winner of the pool match between hosts Greece and Brazil later today. more...

For more info and points tables visit www.athens2008.fiba.com

Athens hosts Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament

2008-07-15T13:13:00.006+03:00

Basketball: New Zealand wins opening game at Olympic qualifying tournament

New Zealand has beaten Cape Verde 77-50 to start a 12-nation qualifying tournament for the Beijing Olympics.

The Tall Blacks led 16-0 before extending it to 42-20 at halftime. Kirk Penney led the scoring with 25 points.

New Zealand captain Pero Cameron says his teammates knew little about their opponents going into the game. more

From MSN.com 14 July 2008

Kiwi heads Harrods

2008-07-15T13:01:00.002+03:00

The Kiwi at the helm of Harrod's

By KERRY WILLIAMSON - The Dominion Post | Monday, 14 July 2008

He may just be the most successful Kiwi businessman you've never heard of - and he's running a British institution.

For the past three months former Wellingtonian James McArthur has been in charge of Harrods department store, a must-see for Kiwis visiting London.

Mr McArthur, once a Tawa schoolboy, is Harrods Group's chief executive officer, a position created specifically for him.

Reporting directly to Harrods chairman Mohamed Al Fayed, Mr McArthur oversees the Knightsbridge store as well as the company's real estate, aviation and airport terminal retail operations. more...

From the Dominion Post 14 July 2008

Kia Ora, Kalos ilthate, Welcome!

2008-07-01T16:46:00.008+03:00

Kia Ora and welcome to our brand new blog!

A few words about us...until we actually get going properly.

This website is for all New Zealanders and friends of New Zealand living in Greece. The name Griwis was coined by Griwi Robyn Christou who was living in Greece at the time but is now back in NZ, and we liked it so much we kept it!

As a result of the closure of the New Zealand Embassy in Athens in 1991, and our petition protesting this, we set up The Hellenic New Zealand Association in 1995.

Check it out and let us have your comments...hopefully it will be more complete later in the month!!!

New Zealanders in Greece (Griwis)

New Zealand National Elections, Saturday 26 November 2011

70 Years On...A Heroes' Welcome from the President of the Hellenic Republic, H.E. Mr Karolos Papoulias for New Zealand's Battle of Crete Veterans

NZ Foreign Minister Murray McCully Meets Greek Counterpart Dimitris Droutsas

ANZAC Day 2011 in Greece - LEST WE FORGET...

Death Toll rises to 147 as New Zealand Stops for 2 Minutes of Silence for Christchurch...

Christchurch Earthquake - Death Toll continues to rise - 98 Confirmed

Tragedy in Christchurch as 6.3 R Earthquake Devastates City...75 Confirmed deaths

Vera Zivadinovic Georgiou - one of our Griwis living in Australia

KIA KAHA AOTEAROA - NEW ZEALAND BE STRONG - ΝΕΑ ΖΗΛΑΝΔΙΑ ΚΡΑΤΑ ΓΕΡΑ

55 identified bodies, at least another 20 confirmed deaths. At least 300 people missing, says Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker

Donations via Red Cross NZ

For those of us outside New Zealand the only help we can really offer is financial assistance. As an association we will endeavour to raise funds for our fellow New Zealanders in need. For those who would like to make a donation directly you can do so on line via

Please note that if you have any information you would like us to post, or that you would like to share with us, please leave a note in the visitor's book on the sidebar or email us at

Wellington - The Coolest Little Capital In The WORLD - Part II !!!

Wellington - The Coolest Little Capital In The WORLD!!!

ANZAC Day 2010 in Greece - LEST WE FORGET...

ANZAC Day in Athens...and ANZAC Biscuits!

February 6, 2010 - Happy Waitangi Day to All New Zealanders!!!

NZ National Anthem - God Defend New Zealand...

For All Once Were Easters Living in Greece - This Post is Dedicated to Brenda, Julia, Laxmi and Judith ...RIP

Kiwi Expat Association (KEA) Calls for Nominations for the 2010 World Class New Zealand Awards

New Zealand Prime Minister John Keys Guests on the David Letterman Show

Lest We Forget...ANZAC Day 2009 in Greece

ANZAC Day

The Gallipoli campaign

NZ Wins World Schools Debating Championships in Athens! Congratulations to all Concerned - it was a great debate!!!

Waitangi Day - February 6!!!

Did you know that we have Rugby in Greece ? The National Team of Greece, Captain NZer Eden Tipene, Plays Israel TODAY-22/11/08

On Saturday November 22nd, at the Zirinio stadium in Kifissia at 14.00,the Greek National Rugby team is playing Israel for the prequalification for 2011. The captain is New Zealander Eden Tipene!

Everyone welcome!!!

Attica Springboks...

History of the Club

YES WE CAN!!! BARACK OBAMA's VICTORY SPEECH - Inspiring and Moving, a Tribute to Generations of People who Overcame!!! Good Luck America!

We Succeeded...just shows you that nothing ventured, nothing gained!!!

That Icon of English-speaking Expatriates in Athens - The Athens News may soon be gone...do something now!!!

Athens News under threat of closure

New Zealand General Elections - 8 November 2008! Let's all Vote!

How to vote from overseas

Who can vote from overseas?

How do I vote?

1. Cast an advance vote

2. Download voting papers

3. Apply for a postal vote

4. Vote in person

How can I check my enrolment details or enrol?

How can I find out more?

Wonderful Wellington!!!

Heavy Rain Causes Multiple Slips in Wellington

Kiwi Chef is Beijing Olympic Village Catering Manager

Kiwi set to feed the world

By NICK VENTER in Beijing - The Dominion Post | Friday, 08 August 2008

NZ Team Arrives in Beijing's Olympic Village

To the Family of Doujon Zammit - We Apologise!

John Psathas' Olympiad XXVIII, based on his Athens 2004 Opening Ceremony Music to be premiered by NZ Symphony Orchestra in Beijing

NZ Symphony Orchestra To Appear At Olympic Cultural Festival In Beijing

Tall Blacks' Haka before the Basketball Game with Greece.

Nana Mouskouri's Farewell Concert - A magical evening full of nostalgia, memories and beautiful melodies in the place where it all began - Athens!

THANK YOU, NANA, FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS!

THANK YOU FOR A TRULY UNFORGETTABLE EVENING.

THANK YOU FOR A WONDERFUL, NOSTALGIC CONCERT FULL OF MAGIC, BEAUTIFUL MUSIC, BRILLIANT SETTING... ONE OF ATHENS' MOST BEAUTIFUL, AND A FITTING TRIBUTE TO GREECE'S SONGBIRD.

THANK YOU FOR THE JOURNEY, THE DREAM AND, ABOVE ALL, THE MEMORIES!!...

Kiwi Tall Blacks vs Greece - 48-75! Good try! The Kiwis put up a good fight!

Olympic dream shattered for Tall Blacks

NZ vs Greece - Friday 18 July 2008, 10.00PM OAKA, Athens - Let's all be there!!!

Tall Blacks face high hurdle

Kiwi Tall Blacks Lose to Germany 71-89...if Greece wins (at the moment it is 73-58 to Greece) it will be a very interesting game for us Griwis!!!

Tall Blacks lose to Germany

Athens hosts Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament

Basketball: New Zealand wins opening game at Olympic qualifying tournament

Kiwi heads Harrods

The Kiwi at the helm of Harrod's

Kia Ora, Kalos ilthate, Welcome!

On Saturday November 22^nd, at the Zirinio stadium in Kifissia at 14.00,the Greek National Rugby team is playing Israel for the prequalification for 2011. The captain is New Zealander Eden Tipene!