A Croatian awakening for New Zealand radio star

Ivanka Zonjic (Photo: Private album)

For Ivanka Zonjic, the voice behind traffic updates on New Zealand’s No.1 radio station, Newstalk ZB, the journey to reclaim her Croatian heritage has been deeply personal.

Driven by a desire to honour her grandparents’ legacy and her father’s sacrifices, she has embarked on the process of applying for Croatian citizenship and restoring her family name to its original spelling.

As a grandmother herself, Ivanka feels a profound pull to reconnect with the culture that shaped her lineage. A recent trip to Croatia proved to be an emotional turning point, allowing her to rediscover lost stories of resilience and love.

We caught up with her to talk about her heartfelt quest for identity, belonging, and ensuring that future generations embrace the pride of their Croatian roots.

How did having Croatian roots shape who you are?

Having Croatian roots has been a profound source of identity and strength. Growing up with rich traditions, vibrant culture, and deep family bonds shaped my values and perspective in ways I only now fully appreciate.

Family gatherings filled with laughter, storytelling, and homemade meals reinforced the importance of connection and community. My heritage instilled a love for family and resilience—the kind that comes from knowing my ancestors faced hardships with courage and hope.

Embracing my roots sparked a passion for understanding my history. It’s about more than culture; it’s about belonging. Sharing my story weaves my ancestors’ legacy into my life, reminding me and others that our journeys are worth celebrating. My Croatian roots shape who I am every day.

What Croatian traditions from your parents stuck with you the most growing up?

Croatian traditions filled our home with warmth and connection. Family gatherings during Christmas and Easter were more than meals—they were moments of unity and love. I remember helping my mum prepare sarma and punjene paprike, the scent of spices mingling as stories of our ancestors were shared.

Music and dance were also central. Listening to folk songs, dancing kolo, and playing basketball for Jadran and netball for Zora deepened my cultural pride.

Respect, hospitality, and hard work were ingrained through my parents’ stories. True success isn’t just achievements but kindness and how we treat others. These traditions keep me grounded, and now, as a Baba, I hope to pass them on.

Ivanka with her dad (Photo: Private album)

How was it growing up in New Zealand with a Croatian surname?

Growing up in New Zealand with a Croatian surname had its challenges. My name was a beautiful connection to my heritage but also set me apart. My dad changed his surname when the NZ Government no longer allowed dual names on passports. I wish I had changed mine sooner.

Being named after both my Baba and Dida made it harder. My brother and I had unique names, often mispronounced. I learned to spell it out as habit. If I could say it correctly, why couldn’t everyone else?

What did restoring your surname to its original Croatian spelling mean to you and your dad?

Restoring our surname was more than a name change—it was reclaiming our identity. For my dad, it reconnected him to his roots. For me, it was a tribute to my ancestors and their sacrifices.

Dad always said names carry legacies. Witnessing his pride inspired me. Changing my name across all documents felt right—it was a moment of fulfilment and belonging. I only wish I had done it sooner.

Ivanka’s father, Ivan (Photo: Private album)

Was there a defining moment that made you reclaim your Croatian heritage?

Losing my Baba was a turning point. Sitting with her in her final days, listening to her stories, I felt overwhelming gratitude. It ignited a deeper desire to honour her legacy and my dad’s.

Visiting Croatia with Dylan last September was a full-circle moment. Walking through villages, I felt her presence, as if she were guiding us. Returning to my family’s homeland reinforced my pride in my heritage and reminded me that family is about love and connection, not just names or places.

Baba Mia never made it back to Croatia. She came out as a young girl with her Dad to NZ at the very young age of 14. She was 98 when she passed.

Ivanka with her parents Linda and Ivan (Photo: Babiche Martens/Supplied)

What was the process of applying for a Croatian passport and citizenship like?

Applying for Croatian citizenship was an emotional and challenging journey. It wasn’t just paperwork—it was piecing together my family’s story. Finding old documents and proof of lineage connected me more deeply to my heritage.

The bureaucracy was daunting, and I faced setbacks, including needing to match my NZ passport name. That decision led me to legally restore my surname.

There were some slight setbacks: I wanted to apply for my Croatian passport in Zonjic not Zonich. However when talking to the Croatian Consulate, they advised me that whatever my family name is in my NZ passport that would have to be in my Croatian passport. Hence that was when I made the decision to change my name completely – from my NZ passport, to my drivers license, credit cards you name it! And it felt so good. I can’t describe it!

Despite challenges, I reminded myself why I started: to honour my dad while he is still alive. Holding that passport will be validation of identity and history.

Can you share more about your trip to Croatia. 

Traveling back to Croatia with my fiancé Dylan last year was a heartwarming and transformative experience that I will carry with me forever.

As soon as we stepped off the plane, the air felt different—charged with nostalgia and the scent of the Adriatic Sea. It was as if every breeze whispered stories from my childhood and generations before me. I can’t describe it.

Visiting my Baba’s old house was surreal—imagining family gatherings and their struggles brought a mix of joy and sadness. Sharing this journey with Dylan deepened our bond. He embraced everything, making it even more special.

We began our journey in the coastal town of Novi Vinodolski, where my Baba Mia and Dida Vincent were born and my mum’s family originated. Walking through the narrow cobblestone streets felt surreal, each corner sparking memories of the tales my Baba had shared—like pieces of a tapestry woven with love and resilience. I could almost hear her laughter echoing through the alleys, a reminder of our deep connection to this place.

(Photo: Private album)

Sharing this experience with Dylan changed everything, intertwining not just our lives but our histories. We visited my Baba’s old house, now a quaint ruin, and my heart swelled with a mix of sadness and joy.

Standing there, we imagined the family gatherings, celebrations, and struggles of the past. Dylan held my hand tightly, understanding how much it meant to me, and together we found a quiet moment to reflect on the strength of family ties that transcend time.

We drank wines from local family-owned vineyards, each sip bursting with the essence of the land, like a toast to the past. Every evening, as the sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, we shared heartfelt conversations about dreams, identity, and building a future that honours the heritage we had just explored together.

The warm smiles and laughter of the locals reminded us that we are part of something bigger. This trip was more than a journey across lands—it was an affirmation of love, belonging, and the beauty of reconnecting with family roots. And it was just the beginning. We still had to venture south to see my dad’s family in Kula Norinska.

Kula Norinska is where my dad was born. Komin is where Baba Ivanka, my namesake, is from. My dad’s father was a war hero, and in Kula, my Dida has a monument in his name. It is a deeply special place for me, and I always feel emotional paying my respects and seeing family.

After visiting loved ones, I took Dylan to Zadar, Omiš, Makarska, Drvenik, Dubrovnik, and Zagreb. We even crossed the border into Mostar. In Novi, we took a ferry to Krk and visited extended family and friends on Hvar, in Sućuraj. Sadly, we didn’t make it to Korčula or Brač—maybe next time. I wanted Dylan to see as much as possible. It was his first visit, and it meant a lot to me. He embraced everything, making it all the more special.

When we returned home (Dylan didn’t want to leave), we carried more than just souvenirs—we brought back history, strengthened family bonds, and the promise of creating a new chapter together, with Croatia in our hearts.

(Photo: Private album)

How has reclaiming your Croatian heritage changed your perspective on life in New Zealand?

Reclaiming my heritage has given me a deeper sense of belonging. It feels like a warm embrace from generations past, reminding me of their sacrifices and traditions. Cooking traditional meals, celebrating festivals, and sharing stories enrich my life here in New Zealand.

It has also strengthened my relationships. Embracing my roots has connected me to fellow Croatians and given me the confidence to share my culture with friends. My life now feels like part of a larger narrative, flowing from the Adriatic shores to New Zealand’s landscapes.

How do you hope your journey inspires others?

Changing my name back was transformative. I hope my story encourages others to reclaim their own identities. Our names connect us to our past and tell our stories. If my journey helps even one person embrace their heritage, it’s been worth it.

If you feel the pull to reconnect, trust that it’s never too late. Embracing who you truly are is an act of bravery. Our identities are as rich and complex as our histories, and every step toward self-discovery is a step worth taking.

(Photo: Private album)

What does it mean to pass this connection to your children and grandchildren?

Passing on our family name and history is one of the greatest gifts I can give my daughter and grandchild. It’s more than a name—it’s a legacy of love, resilience, and self-discovery.

I want them to know our names carry power and honour our past. By reclaiming mine, I show them it’s never too late to embrace who you truly are. I hope they cherish their heritage and forge their own stories with pride, always knowing where they come from.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to reconnect with their heritage?

If you feel the pull to reconnect with your heritage, follow it. Start small—talk to family, listen to their stories, and explore cultural traditions that resonate with you—be it through food, music, art, or spirituality.

Most importantly, be patient and kind to yourself throughout this process. Discovering your heritage is not just about facts or family trees; it’s about feeling—feeling connected, feeling proud and sometimes feeling vulnerable. It’s a journey that unfolds in its own time, and there’s no right way to traverse it. Trust your instincts; follow your heart.

And when you do find the pieces that speak to you, cherish them—they’re a gift, and sharing them with future generations can create an even stronger link between past, present, and future.

Embrace this exploration with an open mind and an open heart, and know that each step you take is a tribute to those who came before you, giving way to a connection that is vibrant and full of life.