Printer-friendly VersionChinese Community Engagement
The Office of Ethnic Affairs maintains an established and positive relationship with New Zealand’s growing Chinese community, in recognition of the longstanding economic and cultural contribution Chinese New Zealanders have made, and continue to make to the country.
At the end of 2008, Director of the Office of Ethnic Affairs, Acting National Operations Manager and an Ethnic Affairs Advisor visited the Chinese New Settler Services Trust and the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand to discuss opportunities for collaboration and to receive a briefing on the programmes available to Chinese community members.
The Office of Ethnic Affairs was very impressed with the quality and variety of programmes being delivered by dedicated Chinese volunteer and NGO workers.
These programmes include support for victims of problem gambling, provision of free settlement information, employment advice, working with the elderly and cultural events. The Office previously contracted and supported the Chinese New Settlers Trust to deliver a cross cultural work programme which involved workshops, a series of newspaper articles, a series of radio interviews and marae visits for the Chinese community.
In 2009 the Office of Ethnic Affairs has agreed to sponsor Chinese New Year and host Chinese community forums in Auckland and Christchurch. Many other activities are also planned and will be finalised soon.
The Office has recently appointed a new Ethnic Affairs Advisor of Chinese heritage who will be based in Christchurch.
Christchurch community
The Office of Ethnic Affairs met with prominent members of the Chinese community in Christchurch to discuss issues and the upcoming Office of Ethnic Affairs Chinese Forum on Law and Order