My interest in the presence of Maltese in New Zealand arose out of the Convention held in Malta more than a year ago.

NZ was well and ably represented by Rose Godfrey and Dr Carmen Dalli. The papers delivered were very informative. I must admit, that before then, I gave little thought to our brothers and sisters across the Tasman.

I mentioned in my paper that today over 9000 Maltese visit Australia each year, for family, business or holiday reasons, and Australia can no longer claim to be " il-post fejn ix-xitan halla l-karkura"

This was quickly quipped by Rose in her subsequent talk, that if Australia was in the past the land of the lost slipper, NZ must be the land where the other slipper was found.

And that sparked my interest.

So, for the last months Dr Carmen Dalli and myself have had several long talks and have now laid the foundations for the writing of a book on the presence, history and contribution of Kiwi Maltese. Oral history recordings will need to take place.

Rose Godfrey has gladly agreed to participate in this research team, and our journey has thus begun.

In a document I have about subsidized migration to Australia and NZ, it is clearly stated that Maltese have been coming to NZ for over 120 years. As a matter of fact, a Malta government official in 1882 came to hold discussions with the NZ Colonial Government about the possibility of subsidised migration from Malta to NZ.

In his report, he met 3 Maltese working in NZ whom he mentioned by name, nickname and village. They were

He also reported some interesting historical facts, such as

At Auckland I met three Maltese, there settled for several years, and at Tauranga another one, employed as cook; they are all doing well; and have no idea of returning to Malta. They told me that there are some other Maltese, whom they know, settled at Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.

Auckland is the seat of a Roman Catholic Bishop, and there are in that Province many Roman Catholics. The present Bishop has been in Malta for several months before he went to that Colony, and he speaks very favourably of the Maltese, whom he desires very much to see there the increasing the number of his flock in that diocese.

What do we want to find out?

1. Historical material, such as the settlement difficulties of early and post war Maltese in NZ and how were they overcome? Challenges faced as a result of isolation and a low profile

1. The current situation of our community - community infrastructure, associations, businesses, committed individuals who promote Maltese heritage?

1. Questions we will need to find out, such as places in NZ with some Maltese significance - for example, is there, or has there been, a Catholic church where a good number of Maltese might have congregated or still congregate on a Sunday? Was there ever the presence of a Maltese priest? A solicitor; a real estate person, doctor, etc. I only know of a Maltese restaurant in Christchurch .

If you can help, see the appeal and contact Rose, Carmen or myself. Your contribution will enable this project to take off. All assistance will be acknowledged.