Polish defector ‘crazy’ about his wife

Press, 24 May 1985, Page 13

Polish defector ‘crazy’ about his wife

PA Auckland A Polish seaman whose defection to New Zealand has attracted international attention says he came because he was lovesick.

Mr Krzyfztof Kulak, aged 28, said his decision to leave the ship Fmolny, at Singapore and head for Auckland

was not made for political reasons.

“I was just crazy about my wife... I really didn’t think about it — I just wanted to see her..

The Gdynia man said he married his wife, Viola, who is 27, seven months ago, but was only with her for three months after the wedding.

Mr Kulak had to return to his work as an assistant radio officer aboard ship, while his wife went to visit her brother in Auckland. Mr Kulak said that when the ship arrived in Singapore he made a spur-of-the-moment decision to approach the New Zealand High Commission and try to come to New Zealand.

He took his baggage off the ship and arrived at

Auckland Airport a few days later, on May 18. He said his fare was paid by his brother-in-law. Mr Kulak said he and his wife, a qualified doctor, were staying in Browns Bay with her brother, who emigrated to New Zealand from Austria several years ago. He said his wife wanted to stay. Mr Kulak, who is here on a temporary permit, was also seeking permanent residence. He was not sure whether his actions could cause problems for his father, sister - and brother in Poland, or if he would have difficulties in re-entering that country. Mr Kulak had previously spent a year in Britain, learning English, which he now spoke well.