Centennial Lecture: Kiwi Dragon: The Chinese in NZ

Quakers
The Religious Society of Friends – Aotearoa/New Zealand
Te Haahi Tuuhauwiri

2 July 2009

PRESS RELEASE

Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) Centennial Lecture

A public lecture to mark 100 years of formally organised Quakerism in Aotearoa New Zealand will take place on Thursday 9th July in the Illot Theatre at 5.30 p.m.

The lecture entitled: Kiwi Dragon: The Chinese in New Zealand, history, culture, hope, is to be given by Emeritus Professor Bill Willmott, a world recognised authority on the Chinese diaspora.

Professor Willmott traces the history of Chinese settlement, from the first arrival to the large-scale immigration of recent decades, and the official policies and public attitudes that evolved with and influenced this immigration.

He outlines the significant aspects of traditional Chinese culture that influence the thinking of Chinese in New Zealand today. In particular he shows how Chinese views of history and society differ markedly from Western, as do attitudes towards family and education. He argues that the acceptance of a multicultural identity and a better understanding of Chinese culture can contribute to a richer and more harmonious society.

The subject of the lecture was chosen to bring together several key concerns of New Zealand Friends including: international peace; social justice; and bicultural and multi-cultural development in New Zealand. It also reflects New Zealand Quakers’ historically long connections with China.

ENDS

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