About Us

in New Zealand

Hawkes Bay Cornish Group

History

What do we do?

Upcoming Meetings 2026

Videos

Library

Like to join us?

History

Cornish people left their homeland when tin and copper mining went into decline from the late 1800s. They have settled in countries all over the world ever since and continue to do so. There are many people in NZ who can trace their family back to emigrants who came here for a new life. The are some who came here for the same reason not so long ago. There are others who are attracted to Cornwall because of its beauty and culture. We all like to acknowledge that there is something special about Cornwall and its people.

Read our history in in just 43 pages in a booklet celebrating our 60th anniversary, published in December 2022. Download a copy by clicking on the picture.

What do we do?

We love Cornwall. We hold meetings in Christchurch, New Plymouth and Hawkes Bay to talk and hear about Cornwall. See reports of meetings HERE

We issue newsletters with all sorts of information about Cornwall. Download back issues of newsletters HERE

We make and eat Cornish food, enjoy Cornish music and celebrate everything and anything to do with Cornwall. Find out more about Cornwall by clicking HERE.

Contact details are below if you would like to come along.

Upcoming Meetings 2026

Christchurch Cornish Association: Saturday 11 April @ 2.00pm, at St Paul's Church Hall, 1 Harewood Road, Papanui. Car parking and access ramp available.

Hawkes Bay Cornish Group: TBA

Videos

1. Judy Wright, our president, gave a presentation to the Cornish Association of Victoria on the Holyer an Gof publishers' awards and the Tregellas Tapestries. Our 60th anniversary booklet was entered into the awards competition (see above to download a copy) and Judy's mother embroidered one of the panels of the tapestries. Click here to view the video of her presentation on You Tube.

2. During her last visit to Cornwall in 2022, Judy recorded a rehearsal of the Red River Singers who sang 'Cornwall My Home' by Harry (Safari) Glasson which is featured in the movie Fisherman's Friends: One and All. Click here to view the video of the choir on You Tube.

Library

We also have a collection of books about Cornwall or written by Cornish people or about the Cornish in New Zealand. A list of the books, which are available for members to borrow is available HERE.