On Saturday, 4 March, the Swiss Residence once again opened its gates, this time to celebrate the traditional Swiss autumn festival Älplerchilbi. Reminiscent of the Morgarten event in 2015, it was again a Swiss celebration brought to life by the efforts of the Swiss Embassy, the New Zealand Swiss clubs as well as numerous volunteers.
The sunny weather certainly added to the joyful day for the many guests, as did the continuous children’s rides in the carts of the beautiful Swiss dogs, the yodel and alphorn renditions by the Swiss Kiwi Yodlers from Auckland and the accordion music by the musicians from Taranaki. For the hungry, there was plenty of Raclette, potato salad and Swiss sausages made by Peter Koller, a young butcher from Appenzell freshly established in Blenheim, as well as Swiss cakes. For the thirsty, the bar offered craft beer from New Zealand and cider as well as Swiss wine from Ticino and from the Vaud vineyard of our Minister of Defence, Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin. There was also plenty of fun to be had with the air gun shooting competition, the Swiss bowling as well as the kids’ corner. For young people who had recently come of age, there was also a young citizen’s ceremony.
Just after 4.30pm, the “Schwinget” started, attracting a large crowd of spectators. Many men and boys competed against each other on the sawdust and were rewarded with Swiss Army knives.
By the time the official part started, everyone was in a celebratory mood and listened to the addresses by the Attorney-General of New Zealand, Hon. Christopher Finlayson, as well as by Ambassador David Vogelsanger. The celebratory mood continued well after the speeches and national anthems had ended. The celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Wellington Swiss club saw a speech by president Roland Schütz thanking the founding members of the club followed by sumptuous anniversary cake. As the evening progressed and people sat together around the freedom fire, one could hear many traditional songs accompanied by the accordion musicians.
Overall, it was truly another great Swiss day, one that will remain in the memories of many.
Derya Sarina Ünal
Academic Intern
Address by Ambassador David Vogelsanger (PDF, 2 Pages, 25.5 kB)
