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SCANDINAVIAN FESTIVAL 2013
22, 23 & 24th February
DANNEVIRKE
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SCANDINAVIAN FESTIVAL TRUST
At the Leaders Meeting following the 2011 Festival it was agreed that
future Gatherings/Festivals be hosted by the Scandinavian Festival Trust,
and be staged in and around the Tararua District.
We would welcome your suggestions as to what you would like to be included
in your Festival.
WELCOME TO DANNEVIRKE
The European settlement of Dannevirke began on the 15th October 1872 with
the arrival of 13 Danish and 8 Norwegian families who came to New Zealand
as part of the Vogel Scheme. These pioneer settlers were allocated lots,
and they set to work, clearing part of the vast 70 Mile Bush, building
roads and establishing the railway. After work they put themselves to
clearing their allotments and housing themselves. With the clearing of the
bush, timber mills arrived bringing with them English speaking immigrants.
As the land was cleared, farmland was developed and Dannevirke grew to
become an important centre for rural communities. Today Dannevirke's
Scandinavian Heritage remains, the Danish Flag flies proudly beside the New
Zealand Flag on the Town Hall. A memorial plaque identifying the original
pioneer settlers is situated in Copenhagen Square. With changes to farming
patterns and the economy, Dannevirke has changed too, apart from being an
important service centre, it has also become a popular stopping place for
visitors. Dannevirke is the home of the Tararua District Council, and is
served well by Mayor Roly Ellis, Councillors and staff. An enthusiastic
Committee of members of the Dannevirke Scandinavian Club, Manawatu
Scandinavian Club, Local Clubs, with support from the Tararua District
Council are working together to make this festival a memorable occasion.
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