Polish Settlers Place

October 2017

"A number of Canterbury First Settlers - immigrants from East Prussia (Pomeranian region of Poland) arrived in Canterbury NZ under Julius Vogel Scheme (from 1872 onwards). They settled in Marshland, north east of Christchurch and set about draining the land. Once it was drained and cleared, carrots and onions were planted - what became a thriving industry with over 145 years history! Marshlands onions were distributed throughout NZ and exported to Australia. The area was for long referred to as 'the food basket of Christchurch'. Names of Polish origin such as Bolowski, Kiesanowski, Rogal, Schimanski, Gierszewski became identified with the area. The Marshland School, the Marshland Church and the Marshland Hall all hold their history. In 2017 - with celebrations to mark 145 years since the arrival of First Polish Settlers on board of 'Friedeburg', a street at Marshland's new subdivision Prestons, courtesy of CCC and Ngai Tahu, was named 'Polish Settlers Place'." - Contributor's note

Area: North / Marshland

Contributor: Dorota Szymanska-Prokop

Source: Entry in the 2019 Christchurch City Libraries Photo Hunt

Source: View in Canterbury Stories

Reference ID: CCL-PH19-DoSz-003

Uploaded by: CCL Photo Hunt

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