2011
December
ACCC Chinese New Year Festival & Market Day
A festival to welcome the Year of the Dragon is being held in Halls 3 & 4 of the ASB Showgrounds on Saturday, 21 January 2012 between 9.30am and 4.00pm.
This annual celebration has been organised by ACCC for over 20 years and it has become a highlight of the Auckland summer events calendar with attendance by 10,000 to 20,000 people or more. The event will feature:
- Grand Opening by the Prime Minister at 10.00am with traditional Lion Dance
- Over 200 specialist stalls selling traditional & exotic Chinese hot delicacies, Chinese New Year foodstuffs, Chinese traditional arts & crafts, & promoting advisory services
- Special group of performers from Gansu, China featuring shadow puppetry & traditional musical instruments
- Extensive entertainment programme of Chinese cultural songs, dances & musical items
- Outdoor entertainment programme including martial arts, tai chi and modern Chinese bands
- Lucky wheels and games & rides for children.
Chinese NZ TV33 digital freeview will provide extensive TV exposure in addition to normal Chinese and mainstream media promotion.
This is a free event eagerly anticipated by many thousands of recent migrants from China and other parts of Asia because they can experience the sights, sounds, smells and pageantry of a traditional Chinese New Year celebration which they enjoyed each year in their home countries.
November
Pakuranga Chinese Newsletter contents
- Howick local board is establishing “Howick Ethnic Affairs Consultative Committee” which is seeking members
- Informal discussion on property taxes going up in east Auckland
- Pakuranga Summer Festival is going on
- First Multi-cultural Harmony Night in East Auckland organised by Korean organisation
- Student Exhibition in Te Tuhi Arts Centre
- Carnival in Te Tuhi
- Inorganic rubbish collection dates for east Auckland.
2011 ASR Cup Social Table Tennis Competition
Is table tennis your thing? Then open the ASR Cup Social Table Tennis Competition flier for more information about the fun day on 4 December and the competition on 11 December. The events are being held by Aotea Sport Recreation Inc, NZ China International Sport Exchange Association (中新國際体育交流協會), Auckland Table Tennis Association and Rodney Table Tennis.
Seeking nine members for Howick Ethnic Affairs Consultative Committee
The Howick Local Board is establishing the Howick Ethnic Affairs Consultative Committee to act as an advisory service and a point of contact for our different ethnic communities. The focus of the committee will be on new settlers whose culture, traditions and language distinguish them from the majority in New Zealand and who lack existing strong support systems. It will focus mainly on people from East, South East and South Asia, the Middle East, Northern and Southern Africa and Latin America.
Applications for up to nine positions on the committee are invited from members of these communities in the Botany, Flat Bush, Howick and Pakuranga area. The positions are voluntary.
The attached Position Description document:
• Provides background information
• Explains the purpose and scope of the committee
• Details the roles and tasks of committee members and the skills and attributes sought
• Explains the application and selection process
Applications close 23 November 23.
Chinese Film Festival in New Zealand
Check out this amazing November film festival to be held in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
NZ China Cup International Volleyball Challenge
An NZ China International Sport Exchange Association event. Come and watch the fun, 5 November, 4pm, Otara Leisure Centre. 115 Bairds Rd, Manukau City. $10 per ticket. Contact 021 509 168, 021 188 9256, 09 889 3228
October
Read all about it - first issue Bo Ai She Newsletter!
You saw it here first in the Bo Ai She newsletter - so read it and tell us what you think! The second issue is being planned now so your feedback is timely and very welcome. Email Wenli Zhang. Bo Ai She is a Chinese mental health consumer self-support organisation.
VHF Radio 无线电呼救课程 and Day Skipper course for Chinese boaties
To help the Chinese community raise awareness of boating safety, ACC, Coastguard and WaterSafe Auckland work in partnership to run VHF Radio 无线电呼救课程 and Day Skipper course for Chinese boaties. For details please see the media release and course information from the Coastguard.
PLeas ehe4lp spread the word of this important information to your networks.
2012 Leadership and Development Conference
Chinese Community Colleagues wil be interested to hear that NZCA Auckand is proud to support the 2012 Leadership and Development Conference (LDC) initiative led by the Manawatu branch.
Over the five years that LDC has been running, it has atracted over 200 young NZ Chinese leaders throughout the country. This is an iconic event which builds on leadership, identity, culture and business and community acumen.
This year NZCA Auckland will sponsor five candidates to attend the LDC event to be held at Palmerston North Massey Rugby Institute on 11-15 January 2012. If you know of any friend, relative, interested contact - please refer to the website for an application form and send it back to NZCA Auckland Inc, P.O. Box 484 Auckland for final review and assessment.
Applications close 15th November 11. Successful candidates will be notified by close of business 17 November 11.
Tianjin women's volleyball team will visit New Zealand
The top Chinese women's volleyball team from Tianjin province will visit New Zealand 2-6 November.
The Tianjin women's volleyball team has won the China Premier League championship title eight times in a row. The team has a number of Chinese national players such as Juan, Wei Qiu, Qian Wang and Yin Na. They have a tenacious style of game that assisted the them to be highly ranked in the world with enormous success.
The team will contribute to New Zealand women’s national team by exchanging experience and skill. The New Zealand women’s national volleyball team has already started to prepare for this competition and is looking forward to seeing you at this exciting international volleyball competition very soon!
For further enquiries please contact 021- 509168, 09-8893228, 021-1889256
Venue: Otara Leisure Centre, 115 Bairds Road, Otara.
Time: 5 November 2011 @ 4pm
Pakuranga Chinese Newsletter here for our readers
We have permission to place this informative Pakuranga Chinese Newsletter - in Mandarin and Enlgish - on our website. Content includes:
1. Updates from Howick Local Board
2. Launch of new Howick Tourism Map
3. 1st Combined Community Network Meeting for Pakuranga, Botany and Howick
4. The Sir Barry Curtis Classic 2011
5. Rugby Workshop in Chinese Community
6. 111-Ambulance in 42 Languages
7. Greetings from Te Tahawai Marae
8. 1st Pakuranga Girls Brigade
9. 2012 Auditions - East Auckland performing Arts
10. Neighbourhood Support Page
11. Botany Community Day -10 March 2012
12. Have Your Say on Election Day
13. Local Settlement Support network Meeting - 28 October 2011
14. Culture Notes: Why Celebrate Moon Festival?
15. Message from MECOSS
We hope you find it useful.
September
Bright Future Starts From Here - Health and Social Agencies Expo
8 October, 10 am - 3pm, Venue: Te Tuhi – Centre for the Art. Address: 13 Reeves Road, Pakuranga Auckland
The Health and Social Agencies Expo will feature stalls providing information on the various social and health services available to the Asian community including IRDF, ACC and language line.
Women can book for a FREE SMEAR test – certain criteria apply - by calling Betty on 09 8467886 ext 711 for an appointment.
The expo will also feature two free career workshops for youth aged between 14 and 17 years. For more information please contact Charlie Sheng on 09 966 5727. Prizes and giveaways happening all day.
Bright Future Starts from Here - Career Workshop
8 October
Would you like to hear real stories about career development across a variety of fields? If so, join us for the Bright Future Starts from Here Career Workshops.
Workshop One:
10am to 12pm
Mental Health Professionals' Session
Hear about what a psychologist does, what is an ordinary day in the life of an occupational therapist and more
Workshop Two:
1pm to 3pm
General Professionals' Session
Learn about the role of an Asian Police Liaison, what is required to be a top journalist and more.
Workshops are limited to 40 people. To register, or find out more, contact Ivan Yeo (Mandarin/English) ivan "at" mentalhealth.org.nz or Kitty Ko (Cantonese/English) asianmentalhealth "at" middlemore.co.nz
Early bird registrants will go in the draw to win a $20 JB-HIFI voucher and those who attend and share their experience on our Facebook event page will be in with a chance to win a $50 JB-HIFI voucher.
Baby Ferns One Stop Shop
Baby Ferns is a one stop information website for Chinese parents (Chinese language website), connecting Chinese parents, providing information and resources, activities and more:
- Provides information on babies from 0 to 6 years to support all mothers.
- Ensures all Chinese mothers have equal access to information and resources made available by government and the community.
- Creates a supportive environment where Chinese babies can floourish.
- Provide strengths based approach and individual support especially to single parents.
Baby Ferns is a not-for-profit incorporated society established in July of 2011. The aim is to deliver useful information quickly to busy parents in large community events and forums, with an inspirational and entertaining component. For more information you can contact 09-4798093 or info "at" babyferns.org Volunteers are welcome, Facebook page. Baby Ferns - together we can make a difference!
Korean Women's Network opens on Auckland's North Shore
The Korean Women’s Network in New Zealand (KWNNZ), a charitable trust based in Albany, provides Korean women with high quality information and education services to enable them to settle in and maintain a happy, healthy life in New Zealand.
They have a health promotion and English enhancing focus, with a special interest in mental health, and cover issues relating to women at all stages of their lives.
The network holds weekly meetings, including mental health counseling, at Albany House (575 Albany Highway, Albany, North Shore). All welcome. Contact Soo Young Lee 021 110 4771.
August
Gamblefree Day Slogan Competition Campaign
Gamblefree Day on 1 September, and Asian Family Services is running a slogan competition to raise awareness about problem gambling in the community.
You are invited to create a slogan of up to 20 words in your language promoting Gamblefree Day.
For example: Gamblefree Day - Let's choose to end harmful gambling. The campaign is being run in five languages (English, Chinese, Korean, Thai & Vietnamese).
If you are part of a community organisation or own a shop, your participation is essential to the campaign's success. You are needed now! The community group or business that collects the most entries will receive a framed award certificate.
Find out about how to enter at www.pgfnz.org.nz or via local participating shops and community organisations.
Every entry will receive a small gift which can be collected at the awards event or from AFS office. On the day of the awards there will be a lucky draw for people on site. The top three slogans for each language will receive a prize and certificate (English, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese). The best slogan overall will be selected for use in future Gamblefree Day promotional activities.
Enter online or drop your entry into one of the community venues. Be quick because your entry must be received by midnight Friday 2 September.
The awards event will be held on Sunday 11 September from 2pm to 4pm at Chinatown, 262 Ti Rakau Drive, Manukau, Auckland.
Please use the following links to submit your slogan:
For Chinese, http://www.pgfnz.org.nz/Slogan-Competition-Chinese/0,27136,113632,00.html
For Korean, http://www.pgfnz.org.nz/Slogan-Competition-Korean/0,27137,113732,00.html
For Vietnamese, http://www.pgfnz.org.nz/Slogan-Competition-Vietnamese/0,27139,113932,00.html
For Thai, http://www.pgfnz.org.nz/Slogan-Competition-Thai/0,27138,113832,00.html
For English, http://www.pgfnz.org.nz/Slogan-Competition-English/0,27128,112832,00.htmrld Suicide Prevention Day - 10 September, 2011 - Banners
The Internatioanl Association for Suicide Prevention has prepared World Suicide Prevention Day banners in over 40 languages so that bloggers and writers can help increase suicide prevention awareness by writing about suicide and suicide prevention in their native languages.
You can use the banners on your website to promote World Suicide Prevention Day.
June
Gamblefree Day volunteers needed
Would you like to be a volunteer for Asian Family Service of Problem Gambling Foundation?
The Asian Family Service of the Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF) welcomes volunteers to join the Gamblefree Day on 1 September to raise awareness of problem gambling issues in New Zealand.
Free training will be provided including an introduction to the Asian Family Service, information about problem gambling issues in Asian communities in New Zealand, and advocacy and communication skills. At the completion of the special event, there will be a special party for all volunteers, and a certificate in appreciation of their help.
Auckland training will start in July, 1st Floor, 128 Khyber Pass Road, Grafton, Auckland.
For more information about applications please phone 0800 862 342 or email asian.admin "at" pgfnz.org.nz before 1 July, 2011.
Would you like to be a telephone counsellor for Chinese Lifeline?
Chinese Lifeline welcomes applications for training in the provision of telephone counselling services for the Chinese community. Working on this hotline is a meaningful and valuable job, you can help those in need while giving something special back to your community.
For more information, please refer to Chinese lifeline recruitment cover letter
If you would like to apply, please fill the Chinese lifeline application form
April
Incredible Years Parenting Group starts in May
Asian Mental Health Waitemata DHB is to run an Incredible Years Parenting Group for 12 weeks from 9 May at North Shore Hospital. It will be of great benefit for Chinese parents who have difficulty disciplining their children. The group will be held every Monday from 10am to 12 pm. Please contact Kelly Feng orWanny Wu for more details and referrals. Phone: 09 486 8920 ext 3155 or ext 3042.
Chinese language mental health resources from Hong Kong available online
Castle Peak Hospital in Hong Kong provides mental health resources in Chinese and English. The translated materials are very useful and we hope Chinese people will use them to improve their understanding of mental health treatments and treatment outcomes.
In addition, the Institute of Mental Health, Castle Peak Hospital, has mental health educational materials available for the public.
Mental Wellbeing talk 17 April
Hong Kong University and the Alumni Association of New Zealand Inc are holding a Mental Wellbeing talk with Dr Sai Wong, Ms Meggan Lam and Dr Elsie Ho at Selwyn Theatre, Selwyn College, 203-245 Kohimarama Rd, Kohimarama, Auckland from 2-5pm. Contact hkuaanz "at" hku.hk or phone 09 271 3828 for more information.
March
China Lion Film Distribution & Event Cinemas run CHCH fundraiser
This Sunday (13 March) China Lion Film Distribution and Event Cinemas will be running a retrospective of the best of Chinese films from the past two years at EVENT Highland Park Cinema as part of the China Lion Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.
This event has the full support of the Chinese community from the Consul down and our executive committee consisting of Kai Luey, Jim He and Bo Li (from Asia Works).
Admission to any of the films will be via a donation of $10 with ALL proceeds going to the appeal. In addition we will be running a silent auction all day with over $15,000 worth of prizes to be auctioned. We have:
- 2 X Economy Return tickets to HK/China courtesy of Cathay Pacific - Valued $4000
- 2 x Economy Return tickets to HK/China courtesy of Air New Zealand
NB: This is a rare show of solidarity where two airlines have put their commercial competition behind them and are 'sharing the stage' by both giving prizes!)
- A weekend for two at the SKYCITY Grand Hotel includes a $200 dinner at Jade - courtesy of Grand Harbour
- An antique Chinese Vase - Valued at over $3000 courtesy of Steven Wong (President of United Chinese Associations of New Zealand
- inc.)
- NZ Chinese artists, Mr Jiang Hongguang, has donated a Chinese painting valued at $3,000 NZD
- $200 Voucher from Grand Harbour Restaurant
- 10 Pack of the Best of Chinese Films on DVD - courtesy of Incubate
- A night at The Movies for you and 19 of your friends at EVENT Highland Park
The silent auction will run all day from 10am.
In addition to this a number of Chinese and Australian film entities have donated to the funding including Village Roadshow from Australia and leading Chinese film studios Huayi Bros & Bona have also donated.
Films to be shown in two theatres are as follows:
11.00am Shinjunku Incident (119 minutes)
1.20pm Alls Well Ends Well 2009 (92 Minutes)
3.20pm Storm Warriors 2 (110 minutes)
6.00pm Ip Man 1 (104 Minutes)
8.15pm Ip Man 2 (157 minutes)
11.30am The Message (119 Minutes)
2.00pm Legend Is Born - Young Ip Man (101 Minutes)
4.15pm If You Are The One (94 Minutes)
6.15pm If You Are The One 2 (118 Minutes)
8.40pm The Founding Of the Republic (127 Minutes)
Ethinc Affairs Offfice information for those affected by the Christchurch earthquake
Latest flyer to support immigrants affected by the earthquake
Christchurch Earthquake: Civil Defence Emergency Payments
Civil Defence payments are available to meet the immediate needs of people who are affected by a civil defence emergency or adverse event.
A Civil Defence payment is available to clients who are resident in an area where:
- a civil defence emergency has been declared under the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002 or
- a Regional Commissioner, in consultation with a Local Authority and/or other relevant emergency service has directed that an event meets the established guidelines for a civil defence emergency or adverse event and
- the client has been required to leave their home as a result of the civil defence emergency (e.g. the client is an evacuee) or adverse event, or was away from their home at the time of the emergency and is unable to return to their home due to the emergency or
- the client has been required to remain confined in their home as a result of the civil defence emergency or adverse event or
- the client is unable to attend their place of work as a result of the civil defence emergency or adverse event and
- the client does not have insurance to cover their costs for their immediate needs
Civil Defence payments can cover the following costs:
- payments to hosts for billeting evacuees
- (private homes, marae or community centres)
- accommodation costs for evacuees in tourist accommodation
- (motels, hotels or temporary rental accommodation)
- loss of livelihood
- (where evacuees cannot work and lose income due to the emergency. Client cannot get to work, the workplace is closed or they need to remain with their family/whanau)
- food, clothing and bedding (immediate needs up to a maximum amount
Civil Defence payments cover actual costs or loss of livelihood up to a set maximum.
Accommodation costs for evacuees billeted
Private homes, marae or community centres.
Evacuee Maximum weekly payment Maximum daily payment
Child $73.00 $10.43
Single adult $146.00 $20.86
Married, civil union or de facto couple $247.00 $35.29
Accommodation costs for evacuees in tourist accommodation
Motels, hotels and other paid accommodation.
Evacuee Maximum weekly payment Maximum daily payment
Single adult $678.00 $96.86
Married, civil union or de facto couple $714.00 $102.00
Married, civil union or de facto couple, and sole parents, 1+ children $840.00 $120.00
Loss of livelihood weekly payments for evacuees billeted
These rates are equal to 75% of the net weekly Unemployment Benefit rate at 1 April 2010.
Evacuee Maximum weekly payment
Single 18 - 24 years $121.32
Single 25+ years $145.59
Married, civil union or de facto couple (with or without children) $242.64
Sole parent, 1+ children $208.53
Loss of livelihood weekly payment for evacuees not billeted
These rates are equal to the net weekly Unemployment Benefit rate at 1 April 2010.
Evacuee Maximum weekly payment
Single 18 - 24 years $161.76
Single 25+ years $194.12
Married, civil union or de facto couple (with or without children) $323.52
Sole parent, 1+ children $278.04
Additional payments for food and clothing
These amounts are equal to twice the Special Needs Grant food grant limit.
Evacuee Total amount available
Single $400.00
Married, civil union or de facto couple $600.00
Married, civil union or de facto couple, and sole parents, 1 or 2 children $900.00
Married, civil union or de facto couple, and sole parents, 3+ children $1,110.00
February
Asian Youth Health & Wellbeing Healthy Body, Healthy Mind forum
This is your invitation to attend the FREE 9th Annual Asian Forum of the Asian Network Inc, 24 March, 9:00am – 4:00pm, Fickling Convention Centre, 546 Mt Albert Road, Three Kings, Auckland. For more information visit www.asiannetwork.org.nz. Contact: samuel.cho "at" asiannetwork.org.nz
Temporary accommodation for Cantabrians
If you live in Auckland and wish to offer temporary accommodation for fellow Christchurch residents and visitors who are unable to return home due to disrupted travel plans, please call 0800 Auckland (0800 282 552) or visit this website to register to register. About 20 more people are expected to arrive in Auckland by the end of this week.
Thanks for your help!
Support for ethnic communities affected by earthquake
The 6.3-magnitude earthquake near Christchurch has caused significant damage. The Police are working to determine the number of people who have died. Numerous injuries have been reported.
For the latest information and advice visit the Ministry of Civil Defence website
People concerned about the wellbeing of friends and relatives in Christchurch should call 0800 REDCROSS (0800 733 276).
A special phone help-line has been set up for people seeking information about Government services and support. It is 0800 77 9997.
For those with little or no English the Office of Ethnic Affairs’ telephone interpretation service is available. Language Line can help provide everyone with the help and information they need.
The Director of the Office of Ethnic Affairs, Mervin Singham says: “in times like this it is essential that people with little or no English are able to access information, advice and entitlements in the same way that any other New Zealanders can. The Office of Ethnic Affairs is committed to ensuring that this occurs."
The numbers below offer Language Line and assistance in your language. Other agencies which use Language Line and the list of languages can be found in the Language Line
ACC Claims................................................................................. 0800 101 996
Christchurch City Council............................................................. 03 941 8999
Work and Income......................................................................... 0800 559 009
Child, Youth & Family................................................................. 0508 326 459
Housing New Zealand Corporation.......................................... 0800 801 601
Earthquake Commission............................................................ 0800 326 243
Inland Revenue........................................................................... 0800 227 774
Heathline...................................................................................... 0800 611 116
More phone lines are available on the Language Line
Advice from the Ministry of Civil Defence
The Ministry of Civil Defence advises that people in the affected area should:
- Expect aftershocks. Each time one is felt, drop, cover, and hold on.
- Minimise overloading on the phone network - use text messaging to check if family and friends are safe.
- Stay out of damaged areas. There are reports of widespread building collapse, especially in the central city.
- Listen to the radio for updated emergency information and instructions.
- Welfare centres have been set up in several areas of the city.
- Help people who require special assistance - infants, elderly people, those without transportation, families who may need additional help, people with disabilities, and the people who care for them.
For more information on Language Line a telephone interpreting service of the Office of Ethnic Affairs contact:
Sue Ingram, Senior Communications Advisor, Office of Ethnic Affairs, Te Tari Matawaka,The Department of Internal Affairs, Te Tari Taiwhenua, 46 Waring Taylor Street, Wellington.
Direct Dial: 64 4 494 0584
Mobile: 027 541 4696
Year of the Rabbit Winner
We recently ran a competition to see how many rabbits people could find hidden on the site. The competition was to raise awareness of the site and to promote Chinese New Year. The winner of the MHF Relax CD is Shae Ronald Manager External Relations for the Human Rights Commission. Thanks to everyone who entered.
January
Are you a rabbit?
According to Chinese astrology you are if you were born in 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999 and this year, 2011.
February 3 is time to celebrate the Chinese New Year - the Year of the Rabbit.
If you have a friend from the Chinese community - perhaps you host a Chinese student - here are some traditional ways to celebrate the New Year with them and make them feel welcome.
- Hold a Chinese New Year Eve dinner – this is done to bring family members home once a year.
- Serve some dumplings at midnight.
- Have a bonfire – this is the way to scare off the monster called “Nian”.
- Remember to say “Xin Nian Kuai Le” (Mandarin) meaning Happy New year!
Another tradition is to insert a coin (wrapped in some tin foil), in one of the dumplings. Whoever gets the lucky prize will have a lucky year!
For fun, you can check on your Chinese Astrology
Find out more information about the Chinese New Year event in Wellington, and in Auckland
Competition
We are running a special Chinese New Year competition – count how many rabbits you see in the Kai Xin Xing Dong website (English OR Mandarin section) and tell us in an email ivan "at" mentalhealth.org.nz If you guess right your name will go into the draw for a Mental Health Foundation Relax CD (English only).
Entries must be in by next Friday 4 February. Happy hunting!
