« Here to Stay - Series 1
Ep 6 - CROATIAN / DALMATIAN
Description
Here To Stay - The Dalmatians can be rented or bought through Vimeo here.
Former All Black and Kiwi league star Frano Botica takes a journey into the heart of Croatian roots in NZ. From architects to rock stars, wine pioneers and politicians, he uncovers Maori Dalmatian romance and the building blocks of Auckland.
Frano’s family are from Wanganui originally, where his grandfather settled from the island of Kocula and married a Maori wahine. Frano was born in Mangakino, grew up in a large whanau with his grand-father living in the house. Like his dad, many of Frano’s family work in the traditional Dalmatian – Maori industry, construction.
As a rugby player, Frano was named NZ Player of the Year in 1986, his first season for the All Blacks (as part of the famed 'Baby Blacks'). He also played for NZ Maori, before moving to rugby league and Wigan (UK) in 1990. He was a great kicker, and instant star - the fastest league player to reach 1000 points. He appeared in seven internationals for the Kiwis including an upset win over the Kangaroos in Melbourne. He also had a season with the Warriors in 1995. He even played for Croatia in a World Cup qualifying match, and his last professional games was for North Harbour in 2001. Now giving in to the concessions of age, and bad knees, Frano is a waka ama enthusiast. He lives in North Auckland.
For more information on Croatian / Dalmatian history in NZ, visit the Te Ara Encyclopaedia
