Make Way for Rising Dragons, Soaring Bananas
Joint Press Release:
NZ Chinese Association Auckland
Inc.
&
ISSCO
Auckland, New
Zealand (29 April, 2009) – A popular and iconic
cultural event that challenges perceptions of what it means
to be Chinese and peels open the journeys, stories and
identities of high profile Chinese personalities returns to
Auckland on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July at The University
of Auckland Business School.
Presented by the New Zealand Chinese Association Auckland Inc. and the International Society for the Studies of Chinese Overseas (ISSCO), the Rising Dragons, Soaring Bananas International Conference brings to life talented voices of Chinese descent making an impact in New Zealand and on the global stage.
Star-studded speakers span the creative arts, media, academic, community and business sectors and include: Libby Wong (Writer and former Hong Kong Legislative Councillor); Marcus Lui (Creative Director, The One Centre, Sydney); Mai Chen (Chen Palmer, Public Law Specialists); Don Ha (Real Estate Entrepreneur); Paul Spoonley (Massey University); Ron Sang (Architect and Art Collector); Victor Huang (Animator, Weta Digital); Peap Tarr (Urban Artist); Natalie Chan (Fashion Designer and Milliner); Jock Phillips (Editor, Te Ara, The Encyclopedia of New Zealand); Peter Li (University of Saskatchewan); Tan Chee-Beng (Chinese University of Hong Kong).
“Our event throws a spotlight on stories of those who have overcome personal and professional challenges on the road to success. Stories provide us with a means to connect with each other and understand the complexities around who we are. Our cutting-edge stories offer everyone a fresh way to explore and understand the impact the Chinese make in New Zealand and the world today,” said Kai Luey, Chairman of the New Zealand Chinese Association Auckland Inc.
“The
collaboration with ISSCO adds a deeper dimension, lifting
the conference from local stories to a global conversation
around the place of the Chinese overseas. Audiences can
enjoy a rare chance to sample a variety of international
viewpoints from Russia to South Africa, from Australia to
the United States,” added Professor Manying Ip, Oceania
Director, ISSCO.
Going
Bananas is a leadership initiative that continues
the work of the New Zealand Chinese Association to lead New
Zealand Chinese into the future. Affectionately known as the
‘Banana Conference’, this year’s event is the fourth
effort in the Going Bananas cycle. Cultural storytelling
forms the backbone of the conference and contributes to its
ability to disrupt stereotypes and build a community of
interest in Chinese lives and experiences.
Principal Sponsors are New Zealand Post and The University of Auckland Business School.
ENDS
KEY INFORMATION FOR
EDITORS
Rising Dragons,
Soaring Bananas is presented by the New Zealand
Chinese Association Auckland Inc. and the International
Society for the Studies of Chinese Overseas (ISSCO).
DATE: Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July, 2009
VENUE: The University of Auckland Business School, 12 Grafton Road, Auckland
COST: $150 (earlybird, before 31 May); $170 (individual); $200 (organizations per person); $90 (full-time students/persons 65 years +)
REGISTRATION: Open now. Register and pay online
URL: www.goingbananas.org.nz
Facebook Fan Page (keyword: ‘Going Bananas International
Conference’)
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
• Libby Wong,
Writer and Former Hong Kong Legislative
Councillor
• High profile papers from ISSCO
members
• High Flying Bananas
• Creative Cool
Chinese
• Cracking the Glass Ceiling
• Falling
Leaves Return Home
• Digitally Chinese
• New
Zealand Post presents The Listener/NZCA Short Story
Competition
NEW
ZEALAND CHINESE ASSOCIATION
Established
in 1935, the New Zealand Chinese Association www.nzchinese.org.nz is the oldest
Chinese organisation of its kind in New Zealand. As a
national body with 13 branches nationwide, it represents the
interests of long-established and new migrants, leading New
Zealand Chinese into the
future.
ISSCO
International Society for the Studies of Chinese Overseas www.issco.info is a collective of international scholars whose works push the boundaries of Chinese migration and diasporic studies. Membership ranges from countries as diverse as Denmark, Russia, South Africa, Singapore, Australia and the USA.
BANANA
Historically, a pejorative term to describe Asian people born outside of Asia who have assumed Western cultural characteristics: yellow on the outside, white on the inside. Reclaimed in recent times, it has become a symbol that identifies those living outside of Asia who celebrate and embrace a blend of Eastern and Western cultures and influences.
ENDS