February 2011

First ever visit to West Coast by an Ambassador of Italy

Club member Giovanni Martini is part of the small but strong Italian community on the West Coast of the South Island. Recently this group of people warmly welcomed and hosted the Italian Ambassador, HE. Gioacchino Trizzino, the first visit ever to be made by a representative of Italy to the region. His visit coincided with not only the wish to meet Italians and people of Italian ancestry, but also to show Italy's deep sympathy for the tragic loss of lives in the Greymouth area a few weeks earlier, following explosions in the Pike River coal mine. Fortunately, no Italians were involved in the tragedy, but many in past decades lost their lives while mining coal and gold, the West Coast's main economic resource. The social meeting was made possible by Giovanni Martini and John Rubbo, who hosted the visit in his home. Mr Chris Auchinvole, the Member of Parliament elected to this region and President of the Italy-New Zealand Parliamentary Friendship Group, also attended and confirmed the great esteem Italians enjoy in the region. A wonderful day was enjoyed by all.

Memorial for the 'Santina' Fishing Launch and Crew

Some descendants of the Amitrano family

Memorial for the 'Santina' Fishing Launch and Crew

Some descendants of the Costa family

Memorial for the 'Santina' Fishing Launch and Crew

The dedicated memorial seat at Island Bay

Tina Dellabarca - 80 years young!

Congratulations to Tina Dellabarca of Island Bay, who recently reached the wonderful milestone of 80 years young! Buon compleanno Tina, Club Garibaldi wish you many more happy and healthy years to come.

Annual Bus Trip 2011 - Destination: Hamilton

Annual Bus Trip 2011 - Destination: Hamilton

Annual Bus Trip 2011 - Destination: Hamilton

Annual Bus Trip 2011 - Destination: Hamilton

Annual Bus Trip 2011 - Destination: Hamilton

Annual Bus Trip 2011 - Destination: Hamilton

Annual Bus Trip 2011 - Destination: Hamilton

Martin Van Der Donk - 60 years young!

Congratulations to Executive Committee member, Martin Van der Donk of Island Bay, who recently reached the wonderful milestone of 60 years young! Buon compleanno Martin, Club Garibaldi wish you many more happy and healthy years to come.

Italian Hand Gestures

Lo giuro! or Giuro! English translation: I swear it.

Italian Hand Gestures

Perfetto! English translation: Perfect!

Italian Hand Gestures

Me no frego. English translation: I don't give a damn.

Italian Hand Gestures

E' un po toccato. English translation: He's a little crazy.

Italian Hand Gestures

Ora ricordo! English translation: Now I remember!

Italian Hand Gestures

Chissa' che e'?! English translation: Who knows what it is?!