A STRANGE LAND
A programme looking at the lifestyles of immigrants to New Zealand, their lives in their country of birth, and their impressions of New Zealand.
Programme Number: 163
Subject: Helga & Tom Dombay
Roots: Hungary
Producer: Eileen Cook
Hungarians Helga and Tom Dombay led very different lives in countries far apart before marrying in 1992. Helga was born in 1955 and until coming to New Zealand a few months before marrying Tom, had always lived in Hungary. Tom on the other hand has lived in New Zealand since 1966, although his initial reception was not encouraging.
Tom had all but severed ties with Hungary until invited to visit as part of a New Zealand trade delegation.
Helga laments that although New Zealander's lead a very healthy life, they do not live with their books and culture, and could be closer to their families.