by On 9 May, Wellington hosted a commemorative ceremony marking the 81st anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945. The Russian Club brought together compatriots, residents of the city and surrounding areas, staff of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in New Zealand, as well as the military‑historical group 10th Stalingrad Division from Hamilton. Before the event began, guests joined the St George Ribbon remembrance initiative, which has become a symbol of memory and respect.
The military‑historical group presented an exhibition of wartime weapons, equipment, and decorations. The atmosphere of the day was set from the very first moments: to the march Sacred War, the Victory Banner and the State Flag of the Russian Federation were carried into the hall — a tradition that invariably defines the tone of the entire ceremony.
Victor Gaiduch, President of the Wellington Russian Club, opened the event and congratulated those gathered on Victory Day. Vladimir Sergeyevich Merinov, Chargé d’Affaires of the Russian Federation in New Zealand, delivered welcoming remarks, emphasising the importance of preserving historical memory and recognising the high price paid by the peoples who liberated the world from Nazism. During the ceremony, Oleg Maksimov was awarded the Honorary Badge of a Compatriot.
Guests were shown documentary footage and short films in Russian with English subtitles, including the documentary Victory. The Battle for Berlin. The fallen were honoured with a Minute of Silence. Accompanied by the song Let Us Bow to Those Great Years, participants came on stage holding portraits of their relatives — veterans of the Great Patriotic War — creating that distinct, personal atmosphere of remembrance that makes this day truly shared.
The concert programme featured songs and melodies of the wartime and post‑war years. The evening’s atmosphere was shaped by the heartfelt and sincere performance of Natalia Zlobina, the warm and luminous delivery of Vladimir Zvyagintsev, and the refined, masterful domra playing of Alla Borodina. Olga Panasenko deserves special mention: her clear, powerful voice became one of the central sounds of the concert, giving familiar melodies a particular depth and emotional clarity. Alina Fendrikova’s dance performance to Katyusha became one of the most touching and uplifting moments of the evening.
The Russian Club extends its gratitude to the performers, members of the military‑historical group, and all volunteers whose support made this event possible.
Special appreciation goes to the Embassy of the Russian Federation in New Zealand for its support and for the culinary dishes prepared for the friendly reception.
Our sincere thanks to the volunteers:
Lyudmila and Svetlana Ksantopulo, Natalia and Ksenia Platova, Oksana Bolotnyaya, Anna Kilimnik, Ella Kennedy, Olga Skladchikova, Anna Lawson, Ksenia Loseva.
The Russian Club of Wellington also thanks all members of the 10th Stalingrad Division military‑historical group and its leader, Oleg Maksimov.
Victor Gaiduch
President, Wellington Russian Club
P.S. More photos are available in the Wellington Russian Club photo album on Facebook.
Photo: Sophia Gaiduch
