Isles links celebrated as New Zealand society marks centenary
A SHETLAND society in a New Zealand city which brings together people with links to the isles is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
The Shetland Society of Wellington was formed back in 1922 by a group of Shetlanders who left the isles to settle in New Zealand.
Wellington was also once home to a strong Shetland fishing community.
Around 150 people turned out to an event in Wellington on Sunday to witness the unveiling of a special mural celebrating Shetland to mark the society’s centenary.
Society president Peter Glensor told Shetland News: “A representative of the Māori people who hold guardianship of this part of Wellington led the event with a speech, a hymn and a prayer.
“We paused to acknowledge the death of Queen Elizabeth II, with a lament led by a piper from the City of Wellington Pipe Band.
“The Mayor of Wellington, Andy Foster, spoke and unveiled the mural, followed by words from the artist Margaret Tolland.
“Society member Gibby Inkster sang the poem Da Sang o da Papa Men and recited the poem Merchant Seaman.
“Julia Inkster played a Shetland tune on the fiddle, then people had the chance to inspect the mural, and share in afternoon tea.”
It was the first of a series of events to celebrate the society’s centenary, which continues through to Sunday (18 September).
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Due to Covid a centenary ball has been postponed, while a reception at the residence of the UK High Commission has also been held off following the Queen’s death.
The society said its members range from people born in Shetland and those with family links to folk with an interest in the isles.
Many Shetlanders began leaving for New Zealand in the later parts of the 1800s, with a funded immigration scheme offering locals the chance to work in the country.
While emigration to New Zealand has tailed off in more recent decades, the society is still active.
Back in 1997 the group held its 75th anniversary celebrations which included a visit of Shetland Young Heritage fiddlers as well as an Up Helly Aa event.
Meanwhile a man living in Wellington inspired the first formal Shetland Hamefarin – where ex-pats return en masse to the isles for a celebratory visit – in 1960.
Hamefarin events were also held in Shetland in 1985, 2000 and 2010.
Shetland’s connection to Wellington can also be seen in some of the area and street names; there is Taitville, for instance, named after a migrant from Fetlar.
There are also places called Zetland Terrace, Lerwick Terrace, Thule Street, Stout Street and Moncrieff Street.
Meanwhile those with a connection to New Zealand, and Australia, who live in Shetland also mark Anzac Day in Lerwick every year.
The day commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in wars.
More information on Wellington’s links to Shetland can be found here.
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