1947 Assisted immigration resumes after war

Between 1947 and 1975, 77,000 women, children and men arrived from Great Britain under the assisted immigration scheme. The first draft of 118 single people aged between 20 and 35 arrived in Auckland on the New Zealand Shipping Company liner Rangitata.

They were met with a ‘certain amount of ceremony’ by the mayor, John Allum, and the president of the Auckland Returned Services’ Association. A sound truck stationed on the wharf played ‘specially selected’ music to provide a ‘suitable atmosphere for disembarkation’. In his speech of welcome, Allum acknowledged the ‘many little differences’ between New Zealand and Britain, and ‘asked the newcomers to be patient and take time to know New Zealand ways’.

• Read more about the assisted immigration scheme 

Image: the Rangitata (Te Ara )