Kostantin Vela from Podgora 1907-1993 |Mary Henare from Whangape 1909-1972

Kostantin Vela ( My Great Grandfather) was born in the seaside village of Podgora, Croatia on 22nd July 1907. His parents were Marijan Vela and Katie nee Lulic from Igrane. Kostantin’s father was a fisherman, and like him his sons were to become fishermen as well. In 1924 Kostantin came out to New Zealand to accompany his sister Zanka. Kostantin and Zanka made their way to the gumfields of Dargaville, to the large Aranga gum field (38 km north of Dargaville). He said ‘At first I hated the work, and didn't care much for New Zealand either. I would have gone home given the first opportunity’.However he worked hard and resigned himself to his new life. Zanka married George Radonich in late 1924 and they settled in Dargaville. After two years in New Zealand Kostantin brought out a second sister Katie. Katie married Cyril Juretich in 1927 and they settled in Henderson.

In September of 1930 Kosta went north, first to Sweetwater, then on to Ahipara Hill. He carried on gum digging, using a gum washing machine and he employed a few local Maori to help him. He bought in gum from Ivan Jack Kostanich, George Unkovich, they were his most consistent suppliers. He also had many Maori families digging, who sold small but regular amounts to Kostantin. In June 1931 he applied for naturalisation. By now he was known as Kosta or just Vela. For the purpose of this story I have called him Kosta.

Kosta was interviewed in 1991 six years before his death. He recalled a time during the depression from 1932 the gum prices dropped to an all time low, they couldn't sell it at all. Diggers had to hang on until 1935 when things began to improve. Instead they took on work where ever they could find it, labouring, drain digging, cutting scrub, felling trees, etc. In 1935 Kosta met Mary Henare ( My Great Grandmother) from Whangape, her family were also gum diggers. She was the daughter of Henare Mita Puku and Mairima Waikaukau Watarea. Kosta and Mary worked together on Ahipara Hill. They became partners and had six children, Joseph and Tony were born on Ahipara Hill. Paul, Katie, Ivan ( My Grandfather) and Jane were born in Kaitaia. In 1946 Kosta bought a section at Takahe Road, Ahipara with an existing dwelling. The family moved from Ahipara Hill and settled in the cottage.

Mary died at their home in Ahipara on 21st June 1972. In 1977 Kosta made a visit back to his homeland. His 28 hour flight was a stark contrast to his trip out 53 years earlier, a 60 day voyage. On the flight from Hong Kong he was offered an upgrade to 1st Class, a very pleasant experience. Such comfort was very welcome for the old gum digger on his journey home. Back in Podgora it was overwhelming to be with his family again. He was so happy to meet up with his two brothers and a sister. He absolutely loved it. On returning home he felt at peace within himself, happy he had been able to visit his family and the graves of his parents.