The Shetland Society of Wellington is a group of people with a connection to, or interest in, the Shetland Islands.
About the society
We get together regularly to celebrate the New Zealand-Shetland connection, provide information about Shetland to our members, and participate in community events to promote and celebrate Shetland’s culture, music and heritage.
Events
Check out our Events page to see what functions are coming up. Most years we hold a Picnic, Shetland Viking Dance evening, Local Outing, Mid-winter Foy, Stout Lecture, Anniversary Dinner, and Christmas Tree afternoon tea.
Membership
We extend a warm welcome to anyone who would like to join us. Members get together regularly, receive a quarterly newsletter, and can borrow books relating to Shetland from our new library collection. You can apply for membership or email us for more information at contact@shetlandwellington.org.nz
Latest news
2026 Anniversary Lunch and AGM
Saturday September 26th, 12.30pm followed by our AGM. $40 only. Booking ahead is essential
Please book your place at our Anniversary Lunch on Saturday September 26th, at 12.30pm (Note this is a Saturday event due to a booking clash on Sunday)We offer a three course catered lunch, including Jane Dowson’s much-loved tattie soup. Thanks to an anonymous donor, this year we are offering a free glass of wine or juice with your meal!Cost is $40 per person. Book now by paying $40 per person to our bank account - 06 0501 0070744 00 - include your surname and LUNCH so we can track your booking.
How the last year has gone, choose our leaders for the coming year, and discuss proposals for modest changes to our annual subscription.
Read Morag Hughson’s blog about her Stout Lecture on a One Place Study of Unst
A great turnout heard Morag Hughson speak about her enormous study of Unst’s people. Morag has a blog and a website. She talks about her visit with us, and gives a copy of the slides, in the link below. Soon, we will have a video of her talk as well.
On 16 November Andy Ross – from Cobden, West Coast – will speak to us about running a weaving school in Shetland.
2024 Viking Dance Evening CANCELLED
The 2024 Viking Dance Evening has been cancelled.
2024 Stout Lecturer: Christine de Luca
On 18 August Christine de Luca spoke about the history and the future of Shetland dialect. You can view the slides below, and the video of the talk will be uploaded shortly.
On 20 August 2023 Maurice Henderson spoke about Shetland fiddling, trolls, and their connection to Shetland music, fiddling, and dancing. You can view the video here:
2022 Centenary events great success
Centenary events were successfully held and well attended throughout September to mark the 100 year anniversary of the Wellington Shetland Society. These included the mural unveiling, Shetlanders in Wellington exhibition, Fibre and Photo competition, and Centenary luncheon.
To read about the events and view photos, click here.
Viking II Project
Our Society is delighted we can support and promote a new and exciting venture to learn more about the genetic roots of many health conditions. Viking II is seeking 4000 volunteers - the only condition is that you must have at least two of your four grandparents from Shetland or Orkney.
Read a message about the Project from from our President, Peter Glensor here
To learn more about the Project and to volunteer click here
To see a lecture given by Prof Jim Wilson in Shetland to launch the Viking II Project click here.
