New Zealand is amulti-cultural society and there is no greater mix of cultures than those in its most populous city – Auckland.

From its very origins, ethnic groups have flocked to the area, creating cultural pockets. Culture has always been an important part of Auckland’s social makeup with notable cultural communities arising from countries around the world. 

In this issue we will look specifically at the Irish community in the cit, its origins and whether or not it looks set to continue into the future. 

In today’s inter-connected world the reliance on the Auckland Irish Society seems to have shifted from a support-based contact to an occasional social affair. 

According to the latest census in 2006 there were 11664 Irish born living in New Zealand. It is unknown if this number has increased or not over the last few years but what is known is that there is now a trend of young Irish coming for a year or two before moving on. 

Irish immigrants are no longer boarding a boat with their family unable to return to their homeland.  Of course, there are those that will endeavour to remain longer. But the original formula of emigrating to New Zealand forever seems to have been replaced by a working holiday. 

Other Irish who have lived here for years are also now able to return to Ireland on a more regular basis – something that was almost unheard of back in the 1960s when the Auckland Irish Society was formed. 

In issue one we talk with the president of the Auckland Irish Society, Michael Hickey, on the state of the club. We also interview Irish dance star Ciaran Connolly and Auckland’s Rose of Tralee, Geraldine Roper. There is a piece on the Auckland Gaelic football team which is set to compete in Melbourne for the Australasian games later this month. And if you are willing to try your hand there is a recipe for a classic Guiness and cheese pie.