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Lest We Forget

Czesława Panek Wierzbinska R.I.P.
1.06.1933 – 14.10.2025 
“The candle may go out, but the memory of its light remains”
Czesława (Czesia) Panek Wierzbinska of Auckland, Oamaru and Christchurch was a Pahiatua Child who together with her two sisters, the late Wieslawa Scurr Wierzbinska of Oamaru and the late Wanda Makomaski Wierzbinska of Sydney, with other Pahiatua children arrived to New Zealand in 1944.
She was a Founding and Board Member and a Life Fellow of the Polish Heritage of Otago and Southland Charitable Trust (POHOS). Czesia voluntarily and passionately was diligently and reliably involved in POHOS and the Broad Bay Historic Polish Church’s activities over many years.
For her work on preserving the Polish Heritage in New Zealand, Czesia was awarded the Gold Cross of Merit (Zloty Krzyż Zasługi) by the President of the Republik of Poland. The President also awarded Czesia the Syberian Exile Cross (Krzyż Zesłańców Sybiru) in order to recognise and commemorate the sufferings of Polish citizens deported to Siberia, Kazakhstan and Northern Russia from 1939–1956.
Czesia wrote and published a book “Chmielów our Paradise lost” about her WWII and Syberia exile traumatic experiences. The book was translated into the Polish language and published by the Institute of National Remembrance (Instytut Pamięci Narodowej, IPN) in Poland.
Our heartfelt condolences to Czesia’s daughter, Helena Panek Carson and son-in-law Simon Carson, son Jozef Panek and extended family in New Zealand, Australia and Poland.
“Wieczne odpoczywanie racz Czesi dać Panie a światłość wiekuista niechaj Jej świeci na wieki wieków, Amen”,
from the members of the Board of the Polish Heritage of Otago and Southland Charitable Trust
Czesia’s funeral will be held in Oamaru at Saint Patrick’s Basilica, 68 Reed Street on Thursday, 23 October 2025 at 1pm.
Messages may be addressed to the Panek family c/- Hope Funerals Christchurch, 27 Amyes Road, Hornby, Christchurch 8042.
 
John Roy (MNZM) OM (Poland) Roy-Wojciechowski R.I.P.
1933 – 23.08.2025 

OBITUARY: ROY-WOJCIECHOWSKI, John (Janek) Roy (MNZM), OM (Poland) passed peacefully on 23rd of August 2025, at home surrounded by family. Aged 92 years. Beloved Husband of the late Valerie Roy, Father and Father-in-law to Ellen and Anthony, Steven and Anne, Gregory and Leigh, Alexander, Karen and Aaron, Lawrence and Nikki. Grandfather to Jayde, Jasmine and Chris, the late Finlay, Jordan and Courtney, Yolanda and Billey, Bradlee, Aleesha and Jason, Joshua, Samantha and Lily. Great grandfather to Benka, Riley, Rakera and Ryatt. A celebration of John’s life will be held at Our Lady Star of the Sea, 24 Picton Street, Howick, on Friday 29th of August at 11am. All communications to the Roy Wojciechowski family care of Resthaven Funerals PO Box 39118 Howick.

The Polish Heritage Trust of New Zealand was established in the late 1990’s by Mr. John Roy-Wojciechowski, a Pahiatua Child and former Honorary Consul to the Republic of Poland in New Zealand, to offer educational resources to the people of New Zealand about the country of his birth, Poland, its history, culture, arts and to share the stories of New Zealand’s and Poland relationship regarding the invitation to New Zealand of the ‘Children of Pahiatua’. The Polish Heritage Trust Museum opened its doors in July 2004.

John also joined the Polish community in Dunedin and helped form the Polish Heritage of Otago & Southland Charitable Trust as Founding and Board Member in 1998.

In Loving Memory of John Roy Wojciechowski (1933–2025) we extend our heartfelt condolences on the passing of a man whose life was marked by quiet strength, deep devotion, and enduring service. Born in 1933, John lived through times of great change, always guided by integrity and compassion. He was a beloved husband to Valerie, a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and a respected figure in both New Zealand and Poland. His legacy bridges generations and nations — a testament to a life lived with purpose and grace. May his memory be a source of comfort and pride to his family and all who knew him. May he rest in peace.