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Story: Greeks – the Hellenic community

Greek refugees en route to Pahīatua camp

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Greek refugees en route to Pahīatua camp

Thousands of Greeks were made homeless as a result of war and political upheavals in Europe. Over 1,000 came to New Zealand as refugees in 1951. On arrival they spent time at a reception camp at Pahīatua before taking up employment.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, Greek Orthodox Community of Wellington and Suburbs Collection (PAColl 4924)

Reference: 1/2-1779431; F

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Nancy Swarbrick, Greeks – the Hellenic community – Arrivals, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/152/greek-refugees-en-route-to-pahiatua-camp (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 4 March 2009, updated 1 August 2024.