Hungarian Migration to New Zealand: A Historical Overview
The story of Hungarian migration to New Zealand is one of resilience and adaptation, spanning from the political upheavals of the 19th century to the refugee crises of the 20th century. While initially characterized by transient visits, the Hungarian presence evolved into permanent settlements that contributed to the cultural and professional fabric of New Zealand society.
The 19th Century: Early Arrivals and Gold Rushes
Hungarian presence in New Zealand began in the mid-1800s, though these early arrivals were rarely permanent. Following the Hungarian Revolution of 1848—a political uprising seeking independence from the Habsburg Empire—small groups of Hungarians reached New Zealand's shores, though most continued their journeys elsewhere.
The 1860s brought a new wave of interest driven by the gold rush in Otago. Among these arrivals was Zsigmond Vékey, a lawyer who transitioned into journalism, working for the Otago Daily Times before eventually returning to his homeland. It was not until the period between 1872 and 1876 that the first permanent Hungarian settlers established themselves, with a few more following toward the end of the century.
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The 20th Century: Community Building and Growth
The Tuatapere Settlement
A significant chapter of Hungarian settlement began in 1909 when István Rácz arrived in Tuatapere, Southland. Through letters sent back to Csongrád, Hungary, Rácz encouraged others to migrate. By 1911, the Szivák, Kollát, and Kókay families joined him. Over the following two decades, approximately 100 families followed, creating a concentrated community in the region.
The descendants of these settlers achieved notable success in various fields. Stephen Kokay served as the representative for the Waiau district on the Wallace County Council in 1970. Other descendants include Dr. Ilona Kokay, a biologist and educator at Otago University; Les Kokay, a recognized music writer on Bob Dylan for ISIS magazine and inventor of the 'LesK' 3x3x3 cube puzzle; and Mike Racz, who earned a Guinness World Record as the fastest oyster opener.
Post-War Migration and the 1956 Revolution
The mid-20th century saw a surge in migration driven by global conflict. At the start of World War II, 55 Hungarians arrived, followed by another 62 immediately after the war. The early 1950s saw an additional 136 arrivals.
The most significant influx occurred following the 1956 Revolution, a nationwide revolt against the Soviet-imposed government. During this period, 1,099 refugees arrived in New Zealand, primarily settling in major urban centers such as Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. This group included notable figures such as novelist Anna Porter (born Anna Szigethy), who later moved to Canada, and Tom Paulay, a lecturer at the University of Canterbury. The fathers of Marton Csokas and Nándor Tánczos were also among these 1956 refugees. By 1970, an additional 290 Hungarians had settled in the country.
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Key Facts
- First Permanent Settlers: Arrived between 1872 and 1876.
- Tuatapere Hub: Approximately 100 families settled in Southland starting in 1909.
- Largest Migration Wave: 1,099 refugees arrived following the 1956 Revolution.
- Primary Urban Hubs: Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
- Notable Contributions: Spanning academia, literature, local government, and music journalism.
Migration Summary Table
| Period/Event | Approximate Number of Arrivals | Primary Drivers/Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-19th Century | Small groups | 1848 Revolution (Transient) |
| 1860s | Small groups | Otago Gold Rush |
| 1872–1876 | Unspecified | First permanent settlers |
| 1909–1930s | ~100 families | Chain migration to Tuatapere |
| WWII Era | 117 (55 start, 62 end) | World War II |
| Early 1950s | 136 | Post-war migration |
| Post-1956 | 1,099 | 1956 Revolution refugees |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the first permanent Hungarian settlers in New Zealand?
The first permanent settlers arrived between 1872 and 1876, following earlier transient visits by groups after the 1848 Revolution and the 1860s Otago gold rush.
Why did many Hungarians settle in Tuatapere?
The settlement began with István Rácz in 1909, who wrote letters back to Csongrád, Hungary, encouraging others to join him. This led to the arrival of the Szivák, Kollát, and Kókay families, and eventually about 100 families in total.
What was the impact of the 1956 Revolution on migration?
The 1956 Revolution triggered the largest wave of Hungarian migration to New Zealand, with 1,099 refugees arriving and settling mostly in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
Which notable figures are linked to the Hungarian diaspora in New Zealand?
Notable figures include novelist Anna Porter, academic Tom Paulay, biologist Dr. Ilona Kokay, music writer Les Kokay, and the fathers of Marton Csokas and Nándor Tánczos.
What is the 'LesK' cube?
The 'LesK' cube is a 3x3x3 cube puzzle invented by Les Kokay, a descendant of the early Hungarian settlers in Southland.