Johan Klisser, a Jewish refugee, escaped the Netherlands after World War II and arrived in New Zealand in the 1950s.
According to his eldest daughter, Helen, Klisser was forced to rebuild his life in a foreign country with little money.
“His mother, father and younger brother… were transported onto Auschwitz, where they perished,” Helen told 1 NEWS.
In 1960, Johan started baking the beloved Vogel’s Bread, making 100 loaves a week.
By the time he sold the business 30 years later, that figure was closer to 500,000 loaves.
“He and my mother are very proud,” Helen said.
Their story is one of many being recognised for Holocaust Remembrance Day, marking 76 years since the liberation of Auschwitz.
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