AN HISTORIC Second World War connection between Dorking and New Zealand has been rekindled with the surprise visit of a dignitary from the southern hemisphere.
David Ayers, Mayor of Waimakariri District Council, met his Mole Valley counterpart David Sharland on Monday to discuss memories of the food parcels which were sent from the New Zealand town of Rangiora to Dorking just after the war.
Such gifts were regularly sent to Britain in 1948 and 1949, with 4,500 parcels transferred to Dorking residents during nationwide post-war rationing.
New Zealand's aid efforts were later recognised when Mole Valley District Council staff presented the then Rangiora Borough Council with silverware.
Mr Ayers made his visit on July 8 while en-route to an engagement in Belgium. Mr Sharland and his wife Sylvia took the Mayor on a tour of the area, including Box Hill, The Stepping Stones, Denbies and Dorking Museum, which was opened specially for the occasion.
Mr Ayers said: "It's great to renew links between our towns and to see an historic connection which has significance for two communities. Both Dorking and Rangiora share a common bond including recovering from difficulty.
"The Dorking I see today is a prosperous town and it's good that Rangiora was able to help Dorking at its time of need."
