2013

August
 

1.5 Generation Project picked up by WTV and SkyKiwi

New Zealand’s Chinese media is highlighting our 1.5 generation project with homepage stories on Sky Kiwi and an interview on Chinese WTV.

According to Mental Health Promoter Charlie Tang, who was interviewed for the stories, both channels led with the angle that this group of new New Zealanders takes time to adjust, but they also touched on the coping mechanisms uncovered by our project.

SkyKiwi's lead story, that appeared a day after the press release was sent out , was headlined: Still very hard for 1.5 generation to feel they belong.

The TV news coverage was about the language and culture barriers, and how it will take some time for 1.5 generation Chinese to find their place in New Zealand.

Each year, Kai Xin Xing Dong runs a campaign through the website and the media to promote wellbeing in the Asian/Chinese community. This year's project is to raise awareness of the challenges and experiences of 1.5ers who have made New Zealand their home.

We interviewed Auckland school students from nine to 17 years and made a series of 1.5 Generation videos. We also wrote a series of 1.5 Generation online stories giving the perspectives of teenage and adult 1.5ers and two parents of 1.5 children. These will be added to the site once a week for 10 weeks.

What we learnt from talking to 1.5ers was a little surprising, given this group's perceived vulnerability to psychological distress. Many 1.5ers have experienced bullying, teasing, intimidation and isolation - but they are a surprisingly resilient bunch! All we spoke to stressed the importance of learning English, trying out as many new and different things as possible, and spending time with people outside of their Chinese social groups.

What is the 1.5 Generation?

People belong to the 1.5 Generation if they migrated to New Zealand, between the ages of six and 18 years, with at least one adult family member.

If you would like to find out more about the 1.5 generation project please contact:

Rebecca Proffitt
Senior Communications Officer
DDI: 09 623 4810
Mobile: 022 059 6315
rebecca "at" mentalhealth.org.nz

Charlie (Sheng) Tang - Mandarin speaker
Mental Health Promoter
DDI: 09 623 4810
charlie "at" mentalhealth.org.nz

 

GambleFree Day photo contest – be in to win! 

In recognition of GambleFree day, 1 September, the Problem Gambling Foundation is asking you to get creative. 

The Problem Gambling Foundation’s Asian Family Services is hosting a Gamble free Day photo competition in six languages (Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, Thai and Vietnamese).

Take a photo and describe in one sentence how it relates to GambleFree day. 

Entries close: 16 August 2013. 

Every person who enters has an opportunity to win one of three exciting prizes, including smart phones, in each language category. Additionally, every entry will receive a small gift at a special awards ceremony on Saturday, 7 September 2013, at the Fickling Centre, 546 Mt Albert Road, Three Kings, Auckland. 

Enter online http://goo.gl/BIQQ5 or post: Gamblefree Day Photo Competition, PO Box 8021 Symonds Street, Auckland 1150 

What is GambleFree Day?

GambleFree Day is traditionally held on 1 September although many events and activities are held both before and after this day. The aim is to raise awareness in our communities about the harm from gambling, particularly pokie machines – the most harmful form of gambling.

An estimated 54,000 people in New Zealand are problem or moderate risk gamblers. Every person with a gambling problem affects between five to 10 other people. It is a significant social issue.

There are lots of events and activities being held around the country for GambleFree Day. 

 

July

Incredible Years Parenting Group in Chinese

Asian Health WDHB will run Incredible Years Parenting Group from 23 August 2013 at North Shore Hospital. It will be great benefit for Chinese parents who have difficulties disciplining their children. The group will be held on every Friday 10am to 12 pm for 10 weeks.

Time时间:10am-12pm from 23 August 2013 every Friday same time and place, about 10 to 12 sessions.

St Johns, 2 Shea Tce, Northcote. (North Shore Hospital)
Please RSVP
09 4868920 ext 3155 or email wanny.wu "at" waitematadhb.govt.nz

 

May
 

The Chinese Blokes Book is here 

The Blokes’ Book - a listing of Canterbury agencies and services relevant to men’s health and wellbeing - is now available in the Chinese language.

The book was first published by The Canterbury Men's Centre with support from Movember and the Mental Health Foundation. Over 65,000 copies, of the second edition of the original, have been distributed in Canterbury. The book has become an invaluable resource for men in Canterbury.

The Blokes Book makes it easy for men to find relevant health and social services as well as giving key tips on a variety of subjects from heart health, obesity and mental health through to financial health, fatherhood and much more.

The word “blokes” is in acknowledgment of the fact that there are many kinds of men.

How to get your copy online

Chinese Blokes Book

English Blokes Book Version Two

How to order your hard copy

English version email blokesbook "at" canmen.org.nz

Chinese version email wayne.reid "at" pegasus.org.nz 

The men’s centre thanks Pegasus Health and the Christchurch Casino Charitable Trust for making the book happen.


 

Thirty Years Unity Plan meeting in Auckland

A workshop for the Auckland 30 Years Unitary Plan will be held on Wednesday 8 May at 6.30pm at Te Tuhi Centre for the Arts.

The Howick local council member, who is also a Chinese community leader, is invited to answer questions regarding the unitary plan.

The plan will involve the use of land, the height of buildings, and the modification of your own home and is relveant to everyone. The due date for feedback and community consultation is 31 May.

Asian people are encouraged to attend the meeting and get involved inh the democratic process - havew your say! 

 

April 

Asia internships for graduates

The Asia New Zealand Foundation is taking applications for four internships, which give graduates the chance to gain business experience in Asia. Time to get organised - applications close on 30 April.

 

Racism - Does it impact on Auckland as a diverse city?

The Ethnic Peoples Advisory Panel, Auckland Council is hosting a mini-conference that will look at racism and how it impacts on Auckland. 

The conference will be held on Saturday 27 April, 9am to 2pm at the Auckland University of Technology, Sir Paul Reeves Building (WG) 2 Governor Fitzroy Place, corner of Mayoral and Wakefield Sts. Please park in the Civic car park, Greys Avenue and bring your parking ticket to exchange for a free exit ticket at the end of the conference. 

Morning tea and lunch will be provided. RSVP essential to ethnic.panel "at" aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
 

Together We Recover - three Auckland workshops

Monday 13 May 6-8pm | Monday 20 May 6-8pm | Monday 27 May 6-8pm  Venue: Vagus Centre, 134 Pah Road, Royal Oak, Auckand

Three workshops hosted by Yan Oi Sei in partnership with the Vagus Centre (Chinese Mental Health Consultation Services Charitable Trust) and Supporting Families in Mental Illness aim to enhance family harmony.

Family members and carers of Chinese people with mental health issues will learn new skills to deal with common conflict situations.

Guest speakers:

Dr Sai Woh Wong (Consultant psychiatrist)

Mr Patrick Au (Registered psychiatric nurse & experienced counsellor)

Mrs Sue Wong (Experienced counsellor)

Ms Candy Vong (Experienced counsellor)

Cost: $15 per person to cover materials and refreshment costs (cash payment at first session)

For more information and to RSVP (6 May) , contact Wendy Siu on (09) 378 9134 or wendy "at" sfauckland.org.nz

 

New Multicultural Project: KWNNZ Craft Together

A new project is all about people of diferent nationalities sharing their crafts and hobbies to make friends and overcome the English language barrier. The Korean Women's Network in New Zealand Craft Together group is looking for more Chinese members. Contact Claire Park if you are interested to know more. 021 0289 7859.

Badminton Open Day fast approaching

Come along and have some fun and exercise. Meet new friends. Badminton is a fast game and a good game. Saturday 6 April, 2pm, 295 Ti Rakau Drive, Pakurange, Auckland.  


SKYCITY Badminton Open in Auckland scores coup

For the first time ever in an international event in New Zealand there will be an alternate list for two of the qualifying draws, and a full main draw in all singles, doubles and mixed competitions. 

There are also 21 nations represented by the 277 players in the tournament as well as more depth ever seen in an event in New Zealand. 

The April 10-14 tournament to be held at the North Shore Events Centre has also attracted former world No3 men’s player Simon Santoso who currently sits at No 20 in the world and is a three-time Sudirman Cup and four-time Thomas Cup representative for Indonesia. 

The large number of entries means organisers will schedule 64 qualifying matches and 187 main draw matches in total using an estimated 2000 shuttles. There are around 300 players, coaches and delegates with large teams of players from China, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia and Thailand as well as New Zealand and Australia.

Tickets range from $6 to $35 with tournament packages from $58 and courtside hospitality from $75pp. There are also Finals Entertainment packages available which include accommodation, breakfast, transport to the venue and hospitality. 

Promo code 

There is 10% off the price of all tickets when you use the promo-code. The code is NZCSA. 

Like on Facebook

 

March 

Asia NZ Foundation offering travel and arts grants

Got a story idea you'd like to pursue in Asia? Asia NZ's travel grants help New Zealand journalists travel to Asia to research and prepare stories. Applications for the first round of travel grants close on Monday 8 April.

Working on a project that could help educate Kiwis about Asian arts and culture? Asia NZ's arts grants can be used for  a variety of activities, from work placements in Asia to helping councils and event organisers include Asian components in their community celebrations and festivals. To apply for a grant, you'll need to get your application in by 29 March.

PO Box 10 144, Wellington, 6143 Phone: + 64 4 471 2320, or email for more information  asianz "at" asianz.org.nz

 

Auckland Council surveying 1.5 Generation migrants 

Auckland Council is currently conducting a survey of 1.5 Generation migrants (people between 18 and 40 years, who migrated to NZ when they were young or in their teens) to identify what their challenges and issues are with regards to employment and business. 

The outcomes of the survey will support various initiatives the Council will drive for young migrants. The survey ends on 28 March 2013.  

All Right campaign starts in ChCh

All Right is a campaign designed to help us think about our mental health and wellbeing. It’s about helping people realise that they’re not alone, encouraging them to connect with others, and supporting them to boost their wellbeing.

Ultimately, All Right? is about ensuring wellbeing is at the heart of our recovery. 

The campaign kicked off on Sunday in Canterbury. Posters are up in bus shelters throughout Christchurch and over the next six weeks there will be Street Posters, adverts in The Press, The Christchurch Star, and community papers, a website, and even flags strategically placed throughout our region.

All Right? is a Healthy Christchurch project that is being led by the Mental Health Foundation and the Canterbury District Health Board. We’ve had heaps of help along the way, including support from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Social Development and SKIP, and the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority.

Find out more on the Mental Health Foundation website.

 

Should we be concerned about Asian health?

Thursday, 11 April 

9:00am – 3:30pm

Fickling Convention Centre, 546 Mt Albert Road, Three Kings, Auckland 

The Asian Network Inc. (TANI) is holding its 11th Annual Asian Forum themed: Exploring the REAL significance of ‘Health for All’ – Should we be concerned about Asian health?

Explore how you can contribute to improve:

  • Youth health
  • Mental health
  • Preventing family violence

Each presentation will be delivered by relevant subject experts from the University of Auckland, the Public Health Association and many more.

Among keynote speakers there are: Dr Suneela Mehta, author of the Asian Health Needs Assessment of Asian People Living in the Auckland Region, and Warren Lindberg, CEO, Public Health Association, Kahui Hauora Tumatanui.

Who should take part?

  • All those who want to know more about the Asian health components of youth health, mental health and family violence and develop ideas in action plan.
  • Those who are interested in studying Asian health or supporting Asian communities with the issues.

Please send your RSVP to samuel.cho@asiannetwork.org.nz as enrolment is FREE. Nice Asian style lunch will be provided.

 

Asia Dialogues Seminar Series

THE WORLD'S MOST LIVEABLE CITY? AUCKLAND AND ITS CHINESE CONTRIBUTION

Auckland Council aims to make Auckland the world’s Most Liveable City’. The multi-faceted Chinese community and the colourful festivals they introduce to Auckland City play an important role in realising this goal. 

Bevan Chuang, who works for the council, is leading this seminar series, which begins at  the Study Centre Lounge, Albany Campus, Massey University, 14 March at 12pm. So bring your lunch and enjoy!

Bevan is a 1.5 Generation Hong Kong Chinese New Zealander, a foundation member of the Ethnic Peoples’ Advisory Panel, Chair of Asian Women and Family Trust, Secretary of Auckland Chinese Community Centre, Sponsorship Director of Hong Kong Festival and involved in various events, festivals and exhibitions.

She believes that festivals and events help contribute to a more harmonious society and help creates economic development.

Auckland is a diverse city; one-quarter of Auckland’s 1.5 million resident population were born outside of New Zealand. Furthermore, more than 200,000 ‘Aucklanders’ are of Chinese descent. Chinese Aucklanders are multi-faceted, and are an integral part of Auckland’s society, economy, and daily life. 

The growing number of diverse Chinese communities in Auckland also contributes to the various festivals and events held in Auckland each year. For example, the popular Auckland Lantern Festival attracts more than 200,000 people every year. There are also various other Chinese New Year festivals held throughout Auckland. These include festivals in Central Auckland, South Auckland and North Auckland, as well as various Chinese New Year dinners hosted by Chinese communities and community organisations. 

Please contact Trudie Cain T.Cain "at" massey.ac.nz for further information.

 

2013 consumer forums - your comments and ideas about disability services 

The Ministry of Health is committed to enabling people with disabilities to lead a good life. Disability Support Services staff will be travelling to towns around NZ to let you know what we plan to do over the next few years. Your questions, comments and ideas will help us to get it right. 

Who attends?

If you are a person with a disability, a family member or friend of a person with a disability we would welcome your attendance at these forums. You do not need to be a current user of Ministry-funded disability support services. 

Where will the forums be held?

The schedule below shows when we are coming to your area. Hui and fono will focus on improving disability services to Maori and Pasifika peoples. 

How to register

It is important that you register if you would like to come along, so we can have numbers for catering. You can register using the 0800 phone number OR the text number OR register online OR the email address below: 

Email: MOHFORUM@nzfdic.org.nz

Free phone: 0800 MOH FORUM (0800 664 367)

Text: 021 209 5716

Online: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/mohforums 

What topics will be covered?

• The new model for supporting people with a disability

• Respite

• Individualised funding

• Choices in community living

• Supported living options

• Carer support

• Child and youth projects

• Behaviour support 

Schedule of Disability Services Consumer Forums 2013

Whangarei Forum Monday 18 February 9:30am - 1:00pm Kingsgate Hotel Whangarei 9 Riverside Drive Whangarei

Auckland Fono Tuesday 19 February 9:30am – 2:00pm Waipuna Hotel 58 Waipuna Rd Mt. Wellington, Auckland

Auckland Forum Wednesday 20 February 9:30am – 1:00pm Waipuna Hotel 58 Waipuna Rd Mt. Wellington, Auckland

Hamilton Forum Thursday 21 February 9:30am – 1:00pm Kingsgate Hotel Hamilton 100 Garnet Ave Te Rapa Hamilton

Hamilton Hui Friday 22 February 9:30am – 2:00pm Kirikiriroa Marae 180 Dey Street, Hamilton East

Napier Forum Monday 25 February 9:30am – 1:00pm Napier Memorial Conference Centre 48 Marine Parade Napier

Christchurch Forum Monday 18 March 9:30am – 1:00pm Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport 550 Memorial Avenue Christchurch

Christchurch Hui Tuesday 19 March 9:30am – 2:00pm Rehua Marae 79 Springfield Road Christchurch

Christchurch Fono Wednesday 20 March 9.30am – 2.00pm Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport 550 Memorial Avenue Christchurch

Dunedin Forum Thursday 21 March 9:30am – 1:00pm Royal NZ Foundation of the Blind Cnr Hillside and Law Streets, South Dunedin

Invercargill Forum Friday 22 March 9:30am – 1:00pm Pacific Island Advisory and Cultural Trust 135 Bowmont Street Invercargill

Wellington Forum Monday 25 March 9:30am – 1:00pm Brentwood Hotel 9 Kemp Street Kilbirnie Wellington

 

January  

Celebrate the Year of the Snake at the Imperial Garden Restaurant 

2013 has arrived in all its glory, and the Auckland Chinese Community Centre Committee members are inviting people to join them in celebrating the Year of the Snake on Sunday 17 February at the Imperial Garden Restaurant 12 - 26 Swanson Street Auckland at 6.30pm.

Adults - $35 BYO

Children (under 12 ) - $25

Make up your own table of 12 - $420

For bookings or enquiries please contact: Connie or John phone 09 625 8611 or email cojay "at" xtra.co.nz Tickets are also available from committee members. Please encourage your friends to support this worthy organisation. 

 

Auspicious Chinese dates & events for 2013

Chinese Zodiac / Chinese Year 2013 (10 February 2013 - 30 January 2014)  Year of Snake

Chinese Zodiac (Chinese: 生肖 / Sheng xiao ) relates each Chinese calendar year to an animal, based on a 12-year cycle. It is a widely popular system used informally in many Asian countries, including China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea and Japan. 

Chinese New Year Festival & Market Day 2013

  • When: Sat 2 Feb, 9:30am – 4:00pm
  • Where: ASB Showgrounds, 217 Greenlane West, Epsom Show map
  • Restrictions: All Ages
  • Tickets: Free Admission
  • Website: Auckland Chinese Community Centre Inc 

Where: Auckland War Memorial Museum, Domain Dr, Auckland Domain, Parnell 

  • Sun 10 Feb, 10:00am – 5:00pm
  • Sat 16 Feb, 10:00am – 5:00pm
  • Sun 17 Feb, 10:00am – 5:00pm
  • Sun 24 Feb, 10:00am – 5:00pm
  • Restrictions: All Ages
  • Tickets: Free Admission
  • Website: Chinese New Year 
Auckland Lantern Festival
  • When: Fri 22 Feb, 5:00pm – 10:30pm
  • Sat 23 Feb, 5:00pm – 10:30pm
  • Sun 24 Feb, 5:00pm – 10:30pm
  • Where: Albert Park, Princes St, Auckland CBD Show map
  • Restrictions: All Ages
  • Tickets: Free Admission
  • Website: www.asianz.org.nz
Chinese New Year Celebration
  • Time & Date: Saturday 23rd February
  • Venue: Swanson Road, Henderson (weather permitting)
  • Participants: Open to all THHSNZ members and their family
  • Information: For this year’s Chinese New Year Celebration, a day’s trip in Henderson has been arranged as an Auckland City Walk’event. The day will hopefully bring sun shining, enabling everyone to get some fresh air and exercise while chatting amongst one another. So come along and join in the fun. 

WTV Lunar New Year 2013

  • Date 2 Feb 2013
  • Time 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM
  • Location Sir Woolf Fisher Arena
  • Free entry event, open to the public
  • Parking: Southern Carpark. $4.50 Pay and Display. Liquor Ban Zone in all external areas.

Chinese Korean New Year

 

In other parts of the country

Palmerston North Lantern Parade

Palmerston North World Food Craft and Music fair

Christchurch Lantern Festival

Dunedin  Chinese New year

 

More information

New Zealand website dedicated to Chinese New Year 

Chinese Holidays

Kiwi families 

New Zealand Post - 2013 Year of the Snake

 


First Chinese principal of state school publishes memoir

Paul Wah, fourth generation Chinese New Zealander and first Chinese to be appointed as principal of a state secondary school in New Zealand, has published his memoir: Wooden Man, Stone Heart

Listen to a Radio New Zealand programme about his journey.

Top Page last updated: 10 February 2014