This paper explores the degree of ancestral language maintenance in the community of Dalmatian descendants in New Zealand. The ancestral language analysed in this paper is the Dalmatian dialect i.e. the dialects from the areas of central and southern Dalmatia which the first generations of immigrants brought with themselves. The data analysed in this paper were obtained through a structured questionnaire and a narrative interview. Fifteen people participated in the research. The hypotheses of the research were as follows: (1) Dalmatian dialect as an ancestral language is not actively used among the Dalmatian descendants, (2) maintenance of the language is not crucial for the maintenance of the Dalmatian identity and (3) revitalisation of the Dalmatian dialect as an ancestral language is not possible. The research confirmed the stated hypotheses. Significant efforts should be made in order to maintain the Dalmatian dialect, primarily when it comes to the institutional support of the Republic of Croatia and, if possible, of the government of New Zealand. Although the research has shown that some participants are not aware of the distinction between the Dalmatian dialect and the Croatian Standard language, a wish to preserve the language exists among the Dalmatian descendants.