DRAGO YELAVICH was born in Kaitaia in 1931, son of Stipan and Perina nee Juretich. Stipan was from Ravča (1894 – 1985) and worked on the gumfields at Ahipara, before bringing his family to Awanui where they established a boarding house, billiard room and restaurant. Drago advanced the first Kolo in Kaitaia in 1958 and in 1959 joined the Tamburica Band. He married Anna Vuksich and worked as a barber in Awanui and later Kaitaia for total of 58 years. Drago is a keen sportsman, he played rugby and now at 92 is playing competitive croquet, indoor bowls and still playing in the Tamburica Band. He has been a stalwart of Kaitaia’s Dalmatian Club over 64 years.
Courtesy: Kaye Dragicevich