Launch Of "The Murder Of Chow Yat"

The New Zealand Government may have formally apologised to the Chinese community in 2002, but how much of the conditions faced by immigrants during the Poll Tax period is truly known in New Zealand?

Just launched, ‘The Murder of Chow Yat’ by notable New Zealand author Joan Rosier-Jones, exposes xenophobic attitudes and offers insight into the dismal and friendless treatment experienced by Chinese.

The story itself is a true and gripping read based on the 1922 unsolved murder of a humble Cantonese immigrant.

“There was a time when New Zealanders could not have cared less about the death of a lone Chinese man tending a cabbage patch,” stated New Zealand Chinese Association National President Steven Young. “Joan’s efforts in writing this book should be seen in the context of an increasing interest in incorporating New Zealand Chinese hiῳtory as New Zealand mainstream history.

The book also unmasks a botched police investigation. The police blindly follow one line of enquiry, detrimentally disregarding vital evidence.

The result? An unsolved murder reeking with racial discrimination. Through sound enquiry, a probing approach and leaving no stone unturned, Rosier-Jones single-handedly all but solves the case.

This murder might have happened 87 years ago, but in light of recent New Zealand happenings, the reader is left wondering… has much changed?

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