Saturday, September 08, 2012
When it comes to awards it’s easier to list what Sylvie Chan hasn’t won rather that what she has.
Earlier this year the year 13 Rosehill College student came runner-up in the Lions Young Ambassadors award for zone 8 which runs from Manurewa to Waiuku and Maramarua to Kawakawa Bay.
A few months later she won two Stevenson Papakura youth awards for excellence in maths and science.
And it wasn’t long before she was crossing the stage again – this time winning Zonta’s annual Young
Women in Public Affairs award.
But the real windfall came at Rosehill College’s end-of-year prizegiving where Sylvie won a Jerkovich Trust award, a Papakura Rotary Club scholarship and a Auckland University scholarship.
She was also named top scholar in all her subjects – economics, biology, chemistry, history and maths with calculus – and crowned school dux.
"I’m really pleased, I’ve put in a lot of hard work this year and I’m glad that it’s paid off," she says.
"All the support from friends, teachers and parents – I can make them proud by doing something like this."
The university scholarship means Sylvie can breathe a little easier too – she has her heart set on becoming a humanitarian doctor and any money she’s been awarded has gone into a savings account to help pay her way through university.
Sylvie says providing she maintains a B plus average the university scholarship will cover her tuition and compulsory fees and give her $2500 to spend every year for three years.
"They sent out a letter saying how many people applied for the scholarship," she says.
"There were 960 applicants and they gave out 110 nationally."
So far the bright 18-year-old hasn’t had time to
celebrate her successes – she’s been studying for and sitting NCEA and scholarship exams.
This year she’s sat five NCEA and four scholarship subjects.
Add to that the two-year 13 NCEA and scholarship exams she sat in physics and statistics last year and Sylvie should leave school with certificates in seven NCEA and six scholarship subjects.
Despite all that and the fact she’s part of the
school’s culture and environmental committees, a head student, a student advisor and is a member of junior Rotary club Interact, Sylvie would argue she’s just like ever other teenager.
She watches television until 10pm or 11pm and
enjoys shows like ER and the Big Bang Theory "because it’s full of nerdy jokes".
She’s also on social networking site Facebook "probably a bit more than I should be", likes going to the movies and enjoys shopping.
So how does she do it all? She’s just "learned how to fit things in – routine helps".
Her Malaysian parents "are pretty happy" with her achievements and just want her to have a good profession, she says.
"My family are really encouraging – they say just try and do your best."
Sylvie was born in New Zealand, first went to Conifer Grove Primary School then Rosehill Intermediate before moving to Rosehill College.
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Before she starts her studies at medical school she’s taking a well-earned break.
She’s off to Malaysia with her mum for six weeks to spend Christmas with her extended family.
Hopefully she’ll leave all the texts books behind.
- © Fairfax NZ News Award after award
BY IMOGEN NEALE
Last updated 05:00 09/12/2009 http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/papakura-courier/3139945/Award-after-award
Natalie Chan store opening
Guests arrived to a beautifully presented and very girly afternoon tea to celebrate the launch of milliner and designer Natalie Chan's new Parnell Rd store on Wednesday afternoon.
Among the guests were members of the Parnell and Newmarket business associations, including the ever elegant Di Goldsworthy, as well as The Langham's recently married Lucy Clark and Auckland Racing Club's Rachel Holland, recently returned from a United Kingdomsabbatical.
Chan's move to a new premises provides a chance for more space to showcase her wedding dresses, special occasion wear and headpieces for race days.
As always, Chan was a charming hostess, putting on a gorgeous spread of pink and white treats including lolly bowls, cupcakes and macaroons accompanied by herbal tea and champagne.
It's been a busy time for Chan, with the new premises not the only thing she's been working on. ''I'm four months pregnant too,'' she said. Natalie Chan store opening
AMANDA MIDGLEY
Last updated 05:00 19/08/2012
Beer is the secret to running 100 marathons
For Norman Chan, the secret to completing 100 marathons in six years is not about a strict diet or a rigid training plan - it is all about having a beer.
The 53-year-old Christchurch wine salesman will become the fastest New Zealander to run 100 marathons on September 9 in Dunedin - six years, five months and eight days after his first one in April 2006.
He will break the current record of nine years and two days held by Ingrid Frost, of Auckland, and will become the 37th member of the New Zealand 100 Marathon Club.
Asked if he followed a training plan or ate special foods to keep him in top running shape, Chan said: "Hell no."
His weekly intake features pies and hamburgers, up to a bottle of wine and at least five or six beers, and he runs casually between races.
"Part of the way I look at it is have a beer, relax, enjoy the moment, and that's what I'm doing now. I'm not a typical marathon runner," he said.
Chan began running marathons after completing the Coast to Coast and decided to set his sights on a new challenge.
His first marathon took place on April Fool's Day. "I loved it.
"I had a fabulous time," he said.
His feats have included completing five marathons on five consecutive weekends and two marathons in one weekend. He has taken part in six ultra-marathons, including a 24-hour, 164-kilometre race.
His fastest marathon was the Christchurch Marathon, which he ran in three hours 39 minutes, and the slowest was a trail marathon in Queenstown that he completed in nine hours 24 minutes. "That one was really, really hard."
Chan no longer runs to beat times; he now uses his marathons to help other people.
"I started off going for personal bests and then I started to realise that you're going to break down, you're not going to survive," he said.
"Now I'm helping people.
"I've decided to make myself a larger goal - pacing people, helping people with their goals."
Although initially wanting to do more, he said the financial side of being a serial marathon runner was an obstacle.
Chan reckoned he had spent well over $10,000 on travel and entry fees. Despite this, there is no slowing down for Chan, who has resolved to join the exclusive 200 club as well.
"I just think it's really good fun and there are some fabulous people you meet. We do get called nutters, but that's what we are."
ASHLEIGH STEWART
Last updated 05:00 31/08/2012
KIRK HARGREAVES/Fairfax NZ
ALWAYS ON THE MOVE: Christchurch marathon man Norman Chan trains before attempting his 100th marathon next month.
Chinese visitors keep resort busy
Queenstown businesses reported an increase in the number of Chinese visitors last week and early this week, as the resort experienced a "record Chinese New Year".
The week-long celebration, equivalent to Western Christmas and New Year festivities and the most significant travel week for the Chinese and Asian market, started last Monday.
Destination Queenstown chief executive Tony Everitt was impressed to see so many Chinese visitors in town and said a broad base of DQ member businesses had reported "significantly increased Chinese business".
"It's pretty pleasing to see places like the holiday parks and adventure activities also benefited," Mr Everitt said.
"It shows that not only are we getting the package tourists, but independent Chinese travellers, who are prepared to try something a bit more adventurous."
Visitor centre manager Matt Wong, who, like many businesses, decorated his office windows with DQ's "Happy Chinese New Year" signs, said the response was overwhelming.
"Even having those signs up was enough to attract visitors into the store and sitting on the desk with all these people asking me if I speak Chinese was quite funny."
He and another staff member have since signed up for lessons.
He said walking the streets of Queenstown last week was reminiscent of the days of the Japanese tourist boom, albeit with visitors from China and other Asian countries.
"One thing I noticed was a lot of people coming from Auckland and Australia, and in particular, young people living abroad, who bought their families over here from China on holiday."
Skyline also reported a large number of Chinese visitors during the week, and general manager Lindon Thomas said almost all of last week's dinner services were packed.
"Last week was just really busy with Chinese and Japanese guests, and I think each night was sold out for dinner," Mr Thomas said.
"With two sittings and 250 people in each sitting, these are some decent numbers."
Bonz Gallery and Bonz Group New Zealand managing director Bonnie Rodwell said the numbers experienced were similar to last year, but remained high after Chinese New Year.
Ms Rodwell thought the key to growing the new year market was to focus on keeping the visitors here for longer, and said the store was definitely better prepared for their arrival this year.
"It was much easier this year .. they thought it was very funny us trying to speak Mandarin, but we were trying ..."
When asked if there was any possibility of festivities next year, Mr Everitt said Queenstown would be better to focus on attracting visitors over the holiday with the resort's beauty and amenities.
" I think we did up the ante this year .. and we need to continue that and make people feel welcome, but at the same time people come here to see Queenstown, not the extravagant dragon dancers they can see at home." By Joe Dodgshun on Fri, 3 Feb 2012 http://www.odt.co.nz/news/queenstown-lakes/195206/better-prepared-new-year
The week-long celebration, equivalent to Western Christmas and New Year festivities and the most significant travel week for the Chinese and Asian market, started last Monday.
Destination Queenstown chief executive Tony Everitt was impressed to see so many Chinese visitors in town and said a broad base of DQ member businesses had reported "significantly increased Chinese business".
"It's pretty pleasing to see places like the holiday parks and adventure activities also benefited," Mr Everitt said.
"It shows that not only are we getting the package tourists, but independent Chinese travellers, who are prepared to try something a bit more adventurous."
Visitor centre manager Matt Wong, who, like many businesses, decorated his office windows with DQ's "Happy Chinese New Year" signs, said the response was overwhelming.
"Even having those signs up was enough to attract visitors into the store and sitting on the desk with all these people asking me if I speak Chinese was quite funny."
He and another staff member have since signed up for lessons.
He said walking the streets of Queenstown last week was reminiscent of the days of the Japanese tourist boom, albeit with visitors from China and other Asian countries.
"One thing I noticed was a lot of people coming from Auckland and Australia, and in particular, young people living abroad, who bought their families over here from China on holiday."
Skyline also reported a large number of Chinese visitors during the week, and general manager Lindon Thomas said almost all of last week's dinner services were packed.
"Last week was just really busy with Chinese and Japanese guests, and I think each night was sold out for dinner," Mr Thomas said.
"With two sittings and 250 people in each sitting, these are some decent numbers."
Bonz Gallery and Bonz Group New Zealand managing director Bonnie Rodwell said the numbers experienced were similar to last year, but remained high after Chinese New Year.
Ms Rodwell thought the key to growing the new year market was to focus on keeping the visitors here for longer, and said the store was definitely better prepared for their arrival this year.
"It was much easier this year .. they thought it was very funny us trying to speak Mandarin, but we were trying ..."
When asked if there was any possibility of festivities next year, Mr Everitt said Queenstown would be better to focus on attracting visitors over the holiday with the resort's beauty and amenities.
" I think we did up the ante this year .. and we need to continue that and make people feel welcome, but at the same time people come here to see Queenstown, not the extravagant dragon dancers they can see at home." By Joe Dodgshun on Fri, 3 Feb 2012 http://www.odt.co.nz/news/queenstown-lakes/195206/better-prepared-new-year
Asian family live in fear as vandals target home
By Lincoln Tan
5:30 AM Wednesday May 9, 2012
One of the rocks that smashed a window and glass panel. Photo / Brett Phibbs
An Asian family who moved to New Zealand for its peaceful lifestyle are living in fear because of sustained vandalism attacks in which eggs and rocks are being thrown at their house in an upmarket street in Te Atatu Peninsula.
Their ordeal started in February when their front door was vandalised. Since then, eggs have been frequently smashed on the windows of their $800,000 waterfront property.
But on Friday the attacks became more violent when hurled rocks smashed a balcony glass panel and bedroom window at the Longbush Rd house.
Waitakere police are investigating.
Retiree Tet Hin Wong, 64, who built the house when he moved from Malaysia with his family nine years ago, said he was worried for the safety of his wife and their three children.
"We have asked ourselves why is this happening to us and why in New Zealand," Mr Wong said.
"We have not done anything to hurt or provoke anybody and, sadly, we have come to conclude that this could be because we are Asians."
Mr Wong said he suspected the attacks were racially motivated because the only other house that had been vandalised in the street was one in which a Middle Eastern family lived.
The second family, who did not want to be named, said that on at least two occasions, eggs had been thrown at their house windows and car.
Mr Wong's wife, Monica, a solicitor, said the family decided to move to New Zealand because of "the peaceful lifestyle" and cannot believe that "such things could happen here".
"It's been terrible, we can't sleep properly at night.
"The attacks have become gradually more serious and we're just so fearful at what the next one will be," Mrs Wong said.
"Now even when we're watching TV, we have to leave our curtain slightly open so we can see if someone's approaching ... what kind of a life is that?"
The family, who are Catholics, turned to prayer to ease their fears after last Friday's attack, which happened just before 10pm.
Te Atatu Neighbourhood Support is circulating an email to residents in the area seeking witnesses and details of the incidents.
By Lincoln Tan | Email Lincoln http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10804447
Hamilton sculptor bullish on art
By Natalie Akoorie
5:30 AM Wednesday Jun 6, 2012
Marti Wong's Fieldays No8 Wire National Art Award entry is titled Bull Headed. The works are being exhibited at the ArtsPost gallery. Photo / Christine Cornege
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Marti Wong's Fieldays No8 Wire National Art Award entry is titled Bull Headed. The works are being exhibited at the ArtsPost gallery. Photo / Christine Cornege
Hamilton sculptor Marti Wong has taken the phrase "bull-headed" to a new level with his Fieldays No8 Wire National Art Award entry.
The bull's head, made almost completely of the ubiquitous fencing wire, symbolises the "condition of humanity", Wong says.
"Humans are stubborn. And the No8 wire is about fenced-in thoughts and ideals which make people stubborn. It's about fencing in the brain, keeping in old ideas and keeping out new ideas."
Entitled Bull Headed, the sculpture is one of 17 finalists in the Fieldays award which will be judged tomorrow night at the ArtsPost gallery in Hamilton where the works are also being exhibited.
It is the first time Wong, 40, has entered the awards, which coincide each year with the National Agricultural Fieldays at Mystery Creek, near Hamilton.
The awards, which started in 1997, attract inventive and unique pieces of art that must be 75 per cent No8 wire.
Corrugated iron sculptor Jeff Thomson will judge the awards. The winner will receive $4000.
ArtsPost co-ordinator Marion Manson said there were 24 entries this year - down from 29 last year.
An exhibition of the works will run at ArtsPost in Victoria St from June 8 to July 16.
Fieldays starts next week.
By Natalie Akoorie | Email Natalie
TV chef makes mark in River City
Kathryn King | Saturday, January 22, 2011 17:00
New Flavour: Award-winning chef Dean Wong (front) is bringing new dining experiences to Anne and Dion Ngatai's Anndion Lodge.
Wanganui foodies rejoice, there's a new culinary dream-team in town.
Anndion Lodge owners Anne and Dion Ngatai have joined up with chef Dean Wong to bring a new kind of dining experience to Wanganui.
Mr Wong, an multi-award winning chef who appeared for a year on Good Morning and came fifth in Hell's Kitchen New Zealand, moved here more than a year ago. When the work he was doing here finished, he decided to stay, working as a private chef until a fortuitous visit to the chamber of commerce put him on to Anne and Dion's restaurant plans.
Together they started running a buffet at the lodge every Sunday, converting the conference room into a dining room, and serving bar meals from the Harley Bar. Now about three months in, the venture has so far been a winner and the trio have big plans.
"These guys have won their own business awards, and I have my own culinary awards, so I think we have a similar work ethic about trying to give the best," Mr Wong said.
He said he wanted to change the way people viewed buffets. Rather than loading an enormous plateful of food, and losing the distinct flavour of each dish, Mr Wong said he would be introducing small portions.
The idea was that people return to the buffet numerous times to try different items and get the full flavour of each dish.
The concept also alleviated much of the food wastage seen at traditional buffets, he said.
The buffet meals included steak cooked to order, hot dishes, salads and desserts.
Mr Wong said he wanted to re-introduce handmade food with flavour that machine-made food couldn't compete with.
While the dishes would change seasonally, a few favourites, like his award-winning mousses, could become menu staples.
Since the new branch of the lodge opened, Mr Wong has catered birthdays, held poolside barbecues, and has two weddings on the horizon.
Classically trained in French and English cooking, Mr Wong said he had experience in a variety of cuisines, including German, Italian, Chinese and Japanese.
He had worked with New Zealand seafood and Pacific rim/fusion cuisine were among his specialties.
Mr Wong said he had a fresh food philosophy, which meant he would buy the basics, but liked to make everything from scratch, including his sauces, condiments and chutneys. He even grows his own herbs.
When the restaurant expanded and got busier, he would make his own sausages and prosciutto ham.
The couple said in future they wanted to incorporate live music into the restaurant and do hangi food. They also wanted to do more degustation meals. These meals focus on careful tasting and savouring small portions of food.
"It's going to be an exciting year for us, it's a complete package," Anne Ngatai said. People are surprised, they don't realise that this is here, and that it's a beautiful room." http://www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz/news/tv-chef-makes-mark-in-river-city/1041635/
Thursday, August 02, 2012
Wellington restaurant in liquidation
Much-loved Wellington Chinese restaurant Big Thumb is up for sale after it was put into liquidation for IRD debts yesterday.
The Allen Street restaurant is a favourite among local diners in the CBD for its yum cha, dim sum, Sichuan and Cantonese dishes.
Owner Laurence Chan told The Dominion Post he and the chefs would keep the restaurant running until a new owner was found.
"The restaurant is keeping going until someone takes over. We are still working here until it is sold."
Profitco liquidator Murray Allen will be managing the sale.
He had not responded to calls at the time of writing. JAZIAL CROSSLEY http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/business/7400103/Wellington-restaurant-in-liquidation
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
MAORI WOMENFOLK. EMPLOYED BY ASIATICS.
COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY.ACTION BY GOVERNMENT.FIRST SITTING TO-DAY,
A committee, whoch has been appointed by the Government to investigate the employment of Maori girls and women by Chinese and Indians in Auckland, commenced its sittings this morning at the offices of the Health Department in Anzac Avenue.
Without publicity, the committee has been set up in response to requests hy members of the native race, following disclosures which have been made in the l'ress and otherwise during the past rear or so in Auckland.
The proceedings arc in private, and are under the chairmanship of Dr. T. J. Hughes, medical officer of health, with whom are associated Mr. W. Slaughter, representing the Labour Department, and Mr. Tukere Te Anga, representing the Native Department. Preliminary evidence is being heard by the committee, to-day, and the proceedings will continue to-morrow and 011 Saturday. In its order of reference the committee is empowered to make thorough investigations into the question of Maori girls and women being employed by Chinese as workers in market gardens, and by Indians in fruit shops and elsewhere. The committee is asked to suggest in its report to the Minister of Native Affairs remedies that may be required. The scope of the inquiry will embrace questions such as wages, health, housing and general health and sanitary conditions. The question as to whether it is in the interests of public morality that Maori womenfolk should be so employed will also be reported on by the committee. Among those who will give evidence will be a number of members of the Akarana. Maori Association, which organisation has taken a prominent part in asking for an investigation. Opportunity for hearing Chinese and other Asiatics will also be provided, and the committee will make a comprehensive tour of districts around Auckland where Maori girls and women are employed by Asiatics. Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 210, 5 September 1929, Page 7
WHITE NEW ZEALAND.ITS COLOURED PROBLEM. CHINESE AND INDIANS.
WHITE NEW ZEALAND.ITS COLOURED PROBLEM. CHINESE AND INDIANS. RIVAL OF CONTROVERSY. There has developed a controversy on the White New Zealand question which threatens to rival that which was excited when a madman shot dead an aged Chinaman as a protest against the Asiatic influx. On this occasion there has been no shooting: the ball has been set rolling by a meeting of farmers and townsmen at peaceful Pukekohe," the 'constituency of the late Prime Minister, I Mr. Massey. At this meeting it was dei dared that there were now Hindus and Chinese in their hundreds, where a feuyears ago the only dark skin to be seen was that of the native Maori race, higii in the scale of civilisation. In some places the Asiatics controlled the fruit trade, and at the city markets the buyers of Pukekohe produce were largely j Asiatics. The increasing hold of these j people, it was pointed out. was very serious, because their frugality of living made it impossible for a European to bring up his family in decency to compete with them —something could bn done, and must be done. Europeans must put their minds to Cases were instanced to prove that when Chinese I entered into competition with Europeans in any line of business there was only one result—the European went out of business, especially in the laundry, fruit j and market garden trades. It was urged jby one speaker that landowners should [invariably refuse to sell or lease hind 'or premises to Asiatics, and that raer- I chants should refuse to deal with them.The result of the meeting was the formation of a White New Zealand League, and the carrying of a motion that landowners and business men should refrain from dealing with Asiatics. No Definite Policy. There is in this country no policy of excluding Asiatics on the lines of the White Australian policy—which is one thing that Australia is praised for here —and each year sees the number of Chinese and Indians added to. either as permanent residents or as temporary visitors, who try very hard to remain here. There are not a great many Asiatics in the South Island—probably it is too cold, or too Scotch, for them but there is abundant evidence that there is an all-sufficiency of both Chinese and Indians in the north. The fruit shops whose fine displays compel admiration, are a feature of the principal streets of Auckland. They are almost entirely run by Chinese, and there is not a suburb Ito which these men. who may be seen lin their scores bidding at the auctions in the City Markets, have not "peacefully penetrated." And at various corners we see the übiquitous Indian, popularly referred to as the '"Hindu," with his stall and his piles of polishcl fruit, paying but a scanty rental for his stand. As he competes mostly with the Chinese, there is perhaps less resentment against him on the part of the European population than might otherwise be. lin this country, but as to how long it J takes a newcomer to repay it is one of those secrets which are hard to clear up. lit is said that a young Chinese has to labour for vcars to clear .himself of the debt. Standard of Living. It is not doubted that tlie Indian subsists on a food standard which would not maintain a white man ill working condition, and it is this economic advantage which gives him the pull over the European when it conies to competition in trade. As for the Chinaman, hs does not live nearly so frugally as is generally supposed. The young Chinese of to-day is emulating European standards. When he has emerged from his shell, so to speak, he dons tailor-made I suits, tan shoes, silk sox, white collars I and expensive hats. He may be seen thus, much multiplied, about the streets or in the marts any day. As to food, he is a gastronomic expert. He buys i the fattest ducks and cockerels, the choicest pork and the best cuts of [butchers' meats, and he buys plentifully. ilt is not in denying himself food that ihr saves money: lie is sparing in "ais I pleasure, as the European knows I pleasure, and his entertainment costs him little. However, he is often a gambler, and the sight of a Chinaman on a racecourse is so familiar as to pass unnoticed —and the luck of a Chinaman with the horses is said to be amazing. There is no more law-abiding citizen —a Chinese, or a Hindoo for that matter. 1 rarely has to face a magistrate, excepting for the committal of some technical offence Really the matter of restricting the influx of Asiatics rests with the Minister in charge of the Immigration Department. He issues the permits which allow them to land and take up their residence here, and the granting of these permits are solely at his discretion. Chinese or Indians who come out here- to reside have, to pay a poll tax of £100. This tax is readily found by their compatriots who sponsor tlieir arrival. His Industry and His Pay. All around Auckland, and all along the Main Trunk Line as far south as Wellington, can be seen the market gardens of the Chinese and the trading carts of the Indian hawker. In every town are Asiatic fruit shops and Asiatic laundries. At Kohimarama Chinese are said to be paying rentals of JSO per acre per annum for land for vegetable-growing, a rental which would well make the white owner pause when he is asked to sell at valuation for other purposes. The industry of the Chinaman is proverbial, and here it is clearly shown. In the shops his work is limited by tlle interval between the hours of opening and closing fixed by law—which are long enough, in all conscience—but in the market gardens- no summer's day is too long for him, and in the winter he works early and late by the aid of the moon or artificial light. But the lessee of the garden may be making a fortune by the combined labour of his assistants working out their poll tax; a similar state of affairs may be the portion of the conductor of some of the fruit shops. The Minister' in charge of Immigration has, it is stated, a pile of applications for admission, which is added to by applications from Chinese who came in under temporary permits entitling them to stay for six months, seeking permanent location. Many Chinese come here under temporary permit, and, having got the wedge in, seek to split the log this way. Their dodge, however, is rarely successful. i There have been attempts at smuggling un detected from Suva, the latest but ships are now searched prior to leaving the port of embarkation and before, being berthed here, and it is said that for an Aiiatic to enter New Zealand unperceived is almost impossible Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 300, 19 December 1925, Page 11
CHINESE IMMIGRANTS.RESTRICTIVE MEASURES.
MHSSIONARIES EXEMPTED. ißy TelegTapa.—Parliamentary Reporter,) WELLINGTON, Wednesday. In the House to-day the Premier moved the second reading of the Chinese Immigrants Amendment Bill, which, in addition to the £100 poll tax, imposes an education test of 100 words in English. Mr Massey said he was in thorough accord with the object of the bill.
-Jγ Poole said in this Dominion there were wealthy Chinese, who found living on their fellow countrymen a profitable undertaking. They arranged for the importation of Chinese, paying their poll tax and passage money, and holding these unfortunate fellows as their slaves lor a number of years. Chinatown in 'Frisco was two cubic acres of -hell with the lid off." He hoped the Premier would see that the Customs officials made the education test as difficult as possible.
Mr Gray said he vai surprised to see that in Wellington all the leading fruit shops were in the hands of Chinese, and the liest people encouraged them to stay iere by buying from them.
llr R. MeKenzie said he would move that it be an instruction to the Government to increase the pcil tax to £500.
Sir Joseph Ward said what they wanted to do was to effectually restrict Chinese coming here. There were now 2570 Chinese in New Zealand, of whom fifty-five were females. If they -wanted to keep them here a longer period than they now remained, the proposal of the member for Motueka was the right way to do it. Now they loft after a number of years, but if they paid £500 they would stay here altogether. An hon. member: Isn't that advisable? Sir Joseph Ward: It is better that they should go back and die in their own country. He thought if they had highly educated Chinese coming here, there would be less tendency to create all these abominations referred to by some members. They had also to respect the conditions existing between the old land and another country. They could not hope to get the Ircperia.l assent to such a proposal. The second reading was agreed to on the voices. In committee, the Premier moved as an addition to the principal clause, ''this •Act shall not apply to any minister or teacher of the Christian religion accredited to the satisfaction of the Colonial Secretary. The proposal was agreed to.
Mr Fisher moved to amend the original 'Act by increasing the poll tax from £100 to £200.
The amendment was accepted by the Chairman (Mr E- McKenzie), but, upon the Premier's motion, progress was reported to take the Speaker's ruling. This was against the Chairman, on the ground ihat no motion for increase of taxation could come from a private member.
Mr Davey moved to add a new clause, providing that after the lapse of ten years no Chinese should be allowed to land in New Zealand.
Sir Joseph Ward said he had not the slightest objection to the Committee carrying such a clause, but he reminded them that it meant they would carry no legislation at all on this question, for it would never receive the Imperial assent.
Mr Hornsby regretted that the Premier had weakened on the bill, he having permitted ontside influence, a cleric, the Rev. Mr Don, Presbyterian Chinese missioner, to dictate a new clause, whereas he would not accept any new clause from members of the House.
Sir Joseph Ward said he desired to •give the hon. member's statement an emphatic denial. Personally he did not know the Rev. Mr Don, but at any rate Mr Don, as Chinese missioner, had a right -to represent to the Government what he thought was required from the religious teaching aspect of the question.
Mr Davey's proposal was rejected by 43 votes to 15. and the bill was reported .with- amendments. Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 272, 14 November 1907, Page 6
Sunday, July 08, 2012
WOES OF THE JOES.STAYED TOO LONG.CHINESE MUST LEAVE.
ONE FINED £10, THE OTHER £5
Two Chinese by the name of Leong Yuk Joe and Chung Joe were ordered to be deported by Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., this morning.
Standing in the dock of the Police Court this morning, both these sorrylooking sons of the Flowery Land, through an interpreter, pleaded guilty when charged with remaining in New Zealand beyond the period for which their temporary permits entitled them.
The Collector of Customs at Auckland, Mr. W. A. Penn, who prosecuted, stated that Leong Yuk Joe's permit expired in March of 1926, and Chung Joe's in October of last year. Both had overstayed their permits. Many other Chinese were giving much trouble in this way, and it had been suggested that terms of imprisonment should be imposed in addition to deportation. Great difficulty was experienced by the police iin tracing Chinese who overstayed their permits, said Constable Doel. At the present time 20 Chinese were being looked for. Mr. Wong Doo, a local Chinese resident, had purchased tickets for both men, who would leave for Australia to-morrow.
Mr. Hunt fined Leong Yuk Joe £10, or one month's imprisonment, and Chung Joe £5, or one month in gaol. In addition both are to be deported from the Dominion. Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 182, 4 August 1927, Page 8
Friday, April 06, 2012
Ching Ming at Easter 2012
I'm so glad that we can still have our Ching Ming ceremonies. Whenever I go to Mangere Cemetery in Auckland, there are many families there enjoying the picnic atmosphere.
My own Maternal grandparents are in Canton City. I have the priveldge of being there last year at Ching Ming. My Uncles booked a table the day before, for 10.00 am. The tables are set out over a vast area at the Columbarium at Foshan. So imagine hundreds of families gathered at close quarters - no photos allowed there so I only have memories. Then my Uncle went to get the ashes of his parents. They were in a box with Grandparents photos in. The ashes were in a bag, and they untied it - to give the ashes fresh air.
Uncle had brought those large joss sticks which we burned. Of course you can not leave until all the joss stick had burnt - and hundreds of them make a very stron smell. My children and husband had to leave after some time as it got really polluted. We had the usual roast pig, bao, vegetarian dish, chicken. This is a memory I will treasure for a long time.
My own Maternal grandparents are in Canton City. I have the priveldge of being there last year at Ching Ming. My Uncles booked a table the day before, for 10.00 am. The tables are set out over a vast area at the Columbarium at Foshan. So imagine hundreds of families gathered at close quarters - no photos allowed there so I only have memories. Then my Uncle went to get the ashes of his parents. They were in a box with Grandparents photos in. The ashes were in a bag, and they untied it - to give the ashes fresh air.
Uncle had brought those large joss sticks which we burned. Of course you can not leave until all the joss stick had burnt - and hundreds of them make a very stron smell. My children and husband had to leave after some time as it got really polluted. We had the usual roast pig, bao, vegetarian dish, chicken. This is a memory I will treasure for a long time.
China Business 2012: Small businesses making it big
Beca: The market is huge and rife with opportunities
Beca's Beijing-based China chief has resorted to Kiwi-style team building by taking his young team on "Outward Bound" adventures.
Attracting and retaining young engineering talent is one of Derek Lowe's key priorities. "There's keen competition for good staff," says Lowe. "Ours are very young and energetic."
Beca's Chinese employees can also qualify to become shareholders if they meet particular criteria. There is also a retirement fund and medical benefits.
Lowe has been with Beca since 1998 moving to China eight years ago after other roles within Asia. At a rapid run-through of the many projects he has on the go in China he points to a quotation from deceased US motivational writer Earl Nightingale: "The world in which we live and work is a mirror of our expectations."
Beca's expectations are certainly high.
"The market is huge, with no shortage of opportunities for engineering consultants working in this region." Its building services engineers are in high demand as China's growth continues at a rapid pace.
Urbanisation and the high costs of first tier cities such as Beijing and Shanghai has seen the development of second and third tier cities, where property and rental prices are more affordable for many businesses as well as city dwellers.
Beca's niche is the tourism market, with 70-80 per cent of its current business being driven by the rapid expansion of hotel projects through the country.
As the cost of operating in Beijing's CBD or financial district is escalating year-on-year, more companies are moving to the outskirts of China's capital. This year Beca has secured a building project in the Daxing district, about an hour's drive from Beijing's CBD.
The mixed development comprises office, retail and hotel space, and will sit on a 120,000m2 site.
Beca employs more than 100 staff members in China, based in offices in Beijing and Shanghai, as well as in satellite offices on project site locations as needed throughout the country.
"We have developed a strong local team, with a mix of expatriates and Chinese nationals, and a bi-lingual service is part of our approach," says Lowe.
Zuru: Billion dollar plans for toy firm based in China
Anna Mowbray is one of three Kiwi siblings driving the rapid growth of Zuru Toys from their head office in Huadu.
Mowbray predicts Zuru Toys will sport revenue of about US$35 million this year. Possibly more if the company's star product - Robofish - can be successfully launched in the US consumer market.
From their humble beginnings in an old factory some five years ago, where Mowbray resorted to "showering over the toilet" and "borrowing back" wages from staff to keep the show on the road, the upshot is a great story.
In essence, the Mowbrays have gone straight to market and established an international business from China.
None of the business is situated in New Zealand.
Mowbray put Robofish through its paces in a glass watertank during a visit to Zuru Toy's factory, which doubles as HQ and the R&D plant.
It's a nifty device that is likely to excite kids. Particularly when operated by remote control.
But right now Zuru Toys is facing a legal fight with a major US company which claims the IP for Robofish belongs to them as it was developed by a Chinese inventor while he was still in their employ.
Not so fast says Mowbray.
Zuru's chief operations officer believes the Chinese inventor signed all the relevant releases before departure.
The IP battle is a major for the small company which looks to be at the risky stage where it warrants putting a more traditional corporate structure in place.
From their grass roots beginning in Cambridge, 28-year-old Mowbray, her elder brother Mat who is CEO and younger brother Nick who later joined them as marketing director, have developed a range of toys including "Schnooks" (voted hottest toy in Woolworths Australia in 2009/2010); Crazies and serious guns.
They currently have 250 Chinese staff working at the factory where they live in dormitories.
Zuru has no debt and has expanded by utilising cash-flow. Their toys are distributed in 60 countries.
Walmart is a major customer.
And Mowbray has no doubts the trio could develop the toy business into a US$100 million company.
They want to build a billion dollar empire.
They are plunging US$100,000 each year into funding the development of a novel housing project and have contracted two Chinese factories to work on the prototypes.
More than 40 patents have already been sought.
But that's about all she is saying.
Phitek: Silence is golden, as Shenzen based company shows
Phitek's Paul Van Tol is happy to be a good sport and demonstrate a pair of the more "out there" noise reduction headphones at his Shenzhen office and design shop.
The bright gold funky headphones are a hit with young 20-somethings in China. But Van Tol's personal taste is for something more elegant.
The Phitek director, who originally came from the Netherlands, stepped in to head the company nearly two years ago after the shareholders pushed founder Mark Donaldson out of his job.
It was a tough call says Van Tol.
But the company has now been stabilised and is evolving as a world leading innovator in advanced electro-acoustic technologies for personal listening.
Its "Blackboxes" are sold online and through outlets like JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman.
Van Tol says it has done a deal with Soul Technologies to produce more funky products.
But the major breakthrough is in technology which essentially inserts noise cancelling technology into smart phones reducing noise sufficiently that you could have conversation on a cellphone in a busy street without having to cover the phone.
Within three years Phitek has established a commanding lead in the supply of integrated and headphone-based noise cancellation solutions to major aviation customers including Singapore Airlines, Qatar, Emirates, Air New Zealand and Finnair.
Today it has two business units, Avionics, focusing on the needs of airline customers and Audio, focusing on the development and marketing of world-leading Active Noise Cancellation Technologies for the mobile phone and music industry.
Since developing its first battery powered noise cancelling headphone Phitek has produced a wide variety of products for companies including Logitech, Audio Technica, GN Netcom, Panasonic, Maxell Corporation, and Creative Labs.
Though Shenzhen is one of China's most important R&D hubs - particularly for ICT technologies, Van Tol says he is now looking at putting some of the R&D operations across the water in Hong Kong.
"It is cheaper." 5:30 AM Wednesday Apr 4, 2012
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/small-business/news/article.cfm?c_id=85&objectid=10796628
Beca's Beijing-based China chief has resorted to Kiwi-style team building by taking his young team on "Outward Bound" adventures.
Attracting and retaining young engineering talent is one of Derek Lowe's key priorities. "There's keen competition for good staff," says Lowe. "Ours are very young and energetic."
Beca's Chinese employees can also qualify to become shareholders if they meet particular criteria. There is also a retirement fund and medical benefits.
Lowe has been with Beca since 1998 moving to China eight years ago after other roles within Asia. At a rapid run-through of the many projects he has on the go in China he points to a quotation from deceased US motivational writer Earl Nightingale: "The world in which we live and work is a mirror of our expectations."
Beca's expectations are certainly high.
"The market is huge, with no shortage of opportunities for engineering consultants working in this region." Its building services engineers are in high demand as China's growth continues at a rapid pace.
Urbanisation and the high costs of first tier cities such as Beijing and Shanghai has seen the development of second and third tier cities, where property and rental prices are more affordable for many businesses as well as city dwellers.
Beca's niche is the tourism market, with 70-80 per cent of its current business being driven by the rapid expansion of hotel projects through the country.
As the cost of operating in Beijing's CBD or financial district is escalating year-on-year, more companies are moving to the outskirts of China's capital. This year Beca has secured a building project in the Daxing district, about an hour's drive from Beijing's CBD.
The mixed development comprises office, retail and hotel space, and will sit on a 120,000m2 site.
Beca employs more than 100 staff members in China, based in offices in Beijing and Shanghai, as well as in satellite offices on project site locations as needed throughout the country.
"We have developed a strong local team, with a mix of expatriates and Chinese nationals, and a bi-lingual service is part of our approach," says Lowe.
Zuru: Billion dollar plans for toy firm based in China
Anna Mowbray is one of three Kiwi siblings driving the rapid growth of Zuru Toys from their head office in Huadu.
Mowbray predicts Zuru Toys will sport revenue of about US$35 million this year. Possibly more if the company's star product - Robofish - can be successfully launched in the US consumer market.
From their humble beginnings in an old factory some five years ago, where Mowbray resorted to "showering over the toilet" and "borrowing back" wages from staff to keep the show on the road, the upshot is a great story.
In essence, the Mowbrays have gone straight to market and established an international business from China.
None of the business is situated in New Zealand.
Mowbray put Robofish through its paces in a glass watertank during a visit to Zuru Toy's factory, which doubles as HQ and the R&D plant.
It's a nifty device that is likely to excite kids. Particularly when operated by remote control.
But right now Zuru Toys is facing a legal fight with a major US company which claims the IP for Robofish belongs to them as it was developed by a Chinese inventor while he was still in their employ.
Not so fast says Mowbray.
Zuru's chief operations officer believes the Chinese inventor signed all the relevant releases before departure.
The IP battle is a major for the small company which looks to be at the risky stage where it warrants putting a more traditional corporate structure in place.
From their grass roots beginning in Cambridge, 28-year-old Mowbray, her elder brother Mat who is CEO and younger brother Nick who later joined them as marketing director, have developed a range of toys including "Schnooks" (voted hottest toy in Woolworths Australia in 2009/2010); Crazies and serious guns.
They currently have 250 Chinese staff working at the factory where they live in dormitories.
Zuru has no debt and has expanded by utilising cash-flow. Their toys are distributed in 60 countries.
Walmart is a major customer.
And Mowbray has no doubts the trio could develop the toy business into a US$100 million company.
They want to build a billion dollar empire.
They are plunging US$100,000 each year into funding the development of a novel housing project and have contracted two Chinese factories to work on the prototypes.
More than 40 patents have already been sought.
But that's about all she is saying.
Phitek: Silence is golden, as Shenzen based company shows
Phitek's Paul Van Tol is happy to be a good sport and demonstrate a pair of the more "out there" noise reduction headphones at his Shenzhen office and design shop.
The bright gold funky headphones are a hit with young 20-somethings in China. But Van Tol's personal taste is for something more elegant.
The Phitek director, who originally came from the Netherlands, stepped in to head the company nearly two years ago after the shareholders pushed founder Mark Donaldson out of his job.
It was a tough call says Van Tol.
But the company has now been stabilised and is evolving as a world leading innovator in advanced electro-acoustic technologies for personal listening.
Its "Blackboxes" are sold online and through outlets like JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman.
Van Tol says it has done a deal with Soul Technologies to produce more funky products.
But the major breakthrough is in technology which essentially inserts noise cancelling technology into smart phones reducing noise sufficiently that you could have conversation on a cellphone in a busy street without having to cover the phone.
Within three years Phitek has established a commanding lead in the supply of integrated and headphone-based noise cancellation solutions to major aviation customers including Singapore Airlines, Qatar, Emirates, Air New Zealand and Finnair.
Today it has two business units, Avionics, focusing on the needs of airline customers and Audio, focusing on the development and marketing of world-leading Active Noise Cancellation Technologies for the mobile phone and music industry.
Since developing its first battery powered noise cancelling headphone Phitek has produced a wide variety of products for companies including Logitech, Audio Technica, GN Netcom, Panasonic, Maxell Corporation, and Creative Labs.
Though Shenzhen is one of China's most important R&D hubs - particularly for ICT technologies, Van Tol says he is now looking at putting some of the R&D operations across the water in Hong Kong.
"It is cheaper." 5:30 AM Wednesday Apr 4, 2012
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/small-business/news/article.cfm?c_id=85&objectid=10796628
Friday, March 30, 2012
Nelson wraps up career with sale of chippery
After more than 40 years in the business, fish and chip shop owner and Balclutha stalwart Nelson Wong has retired.
Since selling the business in August, Mr Wong has finally taken some time for himself, after 45 years of being the heart and soul of the favourite fish and chip shop.
Mr Wong worked in Milton at his parents' greengrocer and fish and chip shop before moving to Balclutha to start his own business - Clutha Fish Supply.
The name changed to Wongy's Cod and Taties a few years ago, a marketing strategy which was embraced by its patrons who affectionately dubbed it "Wongys".
The Clyde St takeaway shop has changed over the years, but has never moved premises, with the biggest change seen in the menu, he said.
A North Islander by birth, Mr Wong first moved to Milton with his family, before buying the takeaway shop in Clyde St, Balclutha.
"Balclutha is a good location; a nice rural town in a nice rural area."
One of the best things about the shop was meeting a variety of people from Otago and Southland, New Zealand, and from overseas.
"I've made lots of friends and loyal customers from all over the place."
He and wife Jackie have five children - Angelina, Christiane, Dominique, Claudine, and Pierre - although only Pierre, the youngest, still lives at home. He is head boy at South Otago High School.
"It's been a family shop. All the kids grew up working there and we've run it together over the years," Mr Wong said.
He had made no major plans and enjoyed living in Balclutha.
"Now I'm the head gardener at home," he joked.
Balclutha real estate agent Stuart McElrea remembers working for Mr Wong after school when he was a teenager in the 1960s.
"In those days we'd have people from the freezing works come in and open a sack of oysters in the evening for a bit more money. Nelson was always a good employer - we thought of him as a bit of a James Bond character as he had a gold Mark II Daimler V8 and he even let us travel with him in it."
The fish and chip shop had never changed and had become part of the community, he said.
"Nelson's a great member of the community, he was always there, and always involved."
Mr McElrea said he would always have fond memories of working at the shop, which had also employed two cousins.
A long-time friend of Nelson, real estate salesman Bryan Hayden said Mr Wong had contributed a lot to the Clutha district.
"He's supported and contributed to the community from behind the scenes. Nelson's a very modest and caring man who has always been there for others."
- helena.dereus@odt.co.nz By Helena de Reus on Mon, 3 Oct 2011
http://www.odt.co.nz/your-town/balclutha/180475/nelson-wraps-career-sale-chippery
Since selling the business in August, Mr Wong has finally taken some time for himself, after 45 years of being the heart and soul of the favourite fish and chip shop.
Mr Wong worked in Milton at his parents' greengrocer and fish and chip shop before moving to Balclutha to start his own business - Clutha Fish Supply.
The name changed to Wongy's Cod and Taties a few years ago, a marketing strategy which was embraced by its patrons who affectionately dubbed it "Wongys".
The Clyde St takeaway shop has changed over the years, but has never moved premises, with the biggest change seen in the menu, he said.
A North Islander by birth, Mr Wong first moved to Milton with his family, before buying the takeaway shop in Clyde St, Balclutha.
"Balclutha is a good location; a nice rural town in a nice rural area."
One of the best things about the shop was meeting a variety of people from Otago and Southland, New Zealand, and from overseas.
"I've made lots of friends and loyal customers from all over the place."
He and wife Jackie have five children - Angelina, Christiane, Dominique, Claudine, and Pierre - although only Pierre, the youngest, still lives at home. He is head boy at South Otago High School.
"It's been a family shop. All the kids grew up working there and we've run it together over the years," Mr Wong said.
He had made no major plans and enjoyed living in Balclutha.
"Now I'm the head gardener at home," he joked.
Balclutha real estate agent Stuart McElrea remembers working for Mr Wong after school when he was a teenager in the 1960s.
"In those days we'd have people from the freezing works come in and open a sack of oysters in the evening for a bit more money. Nelson was always a good employer - we thought of him as a bit of a James Bond character as he had a gold Mark II Daimler V8 and he even let us travel with him in it."
The fish and chip shop had never changed and had become part of the community, he said.
"Nelson's a great member of the community, he was always there, and always involved."
Mr McElrea said he would always have fond memories of working at the shop, which had also employed two cousins.
A long-time friend of Nelson, real estate salesman Bryan Hayden said Mr Wong had contributed a lot to the Clutha district.
"He's supported and contributed to the community from behind the scenes. Nelson's a very modest and caring man who has always been there for others."
- helena.dereus@odt.co.nz By Helena de Reus on Mon, 3 Oct 2011
http://www.odt.co.nz/your-town/balclutha/180475/nelson-wraps-career-sale-chippery
fter being caught out by an unexpected spike in Asian visitors during last year's Chinese New Year celebrations, Queenstown tourism providers and retailers are better prepared this year.
The usually week-long celebration, equivalent to Western Christmas and new year festivities, means people book holidays either side of public holidays, making January 23 to 29 the most significant travel week for the Chinese and Asian market.
Today marks the start of the celebrations, which are observed not only in China, but also in Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan and by ethnic Chinese all over the world.
i-SITE visitor centre manager Matt Wong is better placed than most in Queenstown to ascertain the number of Chinese New Year visitors, which he says has steadily increased over the past few years.
"Five years ago, you wouldn't even have thought about it, but now it's a big chance for us," Mr Wong said.
"I certainly expect to see it increase on last year as it's continuing to grow."
Queenstown's accessibility has improved with China Southern Airlines' Guangzhou-Auckland flights, Air Asia X flights from Kuala Lumpur to Christchurch and Jetstar's Singapore-to-Auckland service.
Already, holiday visitors are beginning to arrive, with operators such as Skyline reporting packed dinner services and businesses around town putting up posters emblazoned with the Chinese characters for "Happy New Year".
"By all accounts the hotels are actually benefiting as well, reporting capacity and numbers which are higher than usual," Mr Wong said.
He said i-SITE staff had been upskilling to learn how best to deal with Chinese visitors, a rapidly growing market, not just over the Chinese New Year period but throughout the year.
"Language is a huge part of it ... but it's more understanding that you need to build the trust before you can build the sales."
Bonz Gallery, in the Queenstown Mall, is another business making sure it is ready to deal with the shifting market and the new year influx, Bonz Group New Zealand managing director Bonnie Rodwell says.
The gallery, which sells New Zealand arts and crafts, was taken by surprise last year.
"It was our first Chinese New Year and we weren't ready for it, but the turnover went through the roof," Ms Rodwell said.
"We only wish it was Chinese New Year every day as we don't do this well over the entire year, just in small parts, so we are very excited."
The once predominantly Japanese market had shrunk and the gallery had employed two Chinese staff, with other staff required to learn three new Chinese words a week, she said.
However, like Mr Wong, Ms Rodwell said it took staff a while to learn how to deal with the Chinese style of negotiating sales.
"Bonz doesn't discount, so we have done a lot of research and spent a lot of time and energy on learning how to sell to a group of Chinese instead of watching them walk out the door." Her biggest one-off sale came last year when $38,000 of goods were bought by a Chinese actress, and greater revenue for businesses like hers "flowed on" to other businesses in the resort, she said.
She expected next year's Chinese New Year period would be "doubly busy" and hoped to have found a big red dragon by then to put in the front window of the gallery.
Ziptrek owner Trent Yeo is another Queenstown businessman who sees the importance of the period and the Chinese market - so much so he is learning Mandarin.
Mr Yeo is one of the members of the Destination Queenstown group heading to Shen Zhen, Guangdong Province in March to further promote the Southern Lakes as a travel destination.
With China and India now "the big movers and shakers" in the travel market, it was important for businesses to learn about the Chinese market, not only because of the increase in visitors "but due to the big outbound market as well".
In keeping with this, Mr Yeo and another Queenstown operator are planning a "post-mission mission".
"We are going to go inland into the mountains, way out into the regions, and get a better feel of the different traditions, which is as exciting for us as the Chinese coming here."
While he needed "a Chinatown" to be able to find proper Chinese New Year decorations, he has come up with a different way to celebrate - half-price Ziptrek tickets for anyone born in the Year of the Dragon.
A Chinese restaurateur in Queenstown, who did not wish to be named, said there was always a peak in business during the Chinese New Year period.
"With Chinese New Year people just want Chinese food; it's just like your Christmas with Turkey."
Better prepared for New Year
By Joe Dodgshun on Mon, 23 Jan 2012
The usually week-long celebration, equivalent to Western Christmas and new year festivities, means people book holidays either side of public holidays, making January 23 to 29 the most significant travel week for the Chinese and Asian market.
Today marks the start of the celebrations, which are observed not only in China, but also in Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan and by ethnic Chinese all over the world.
i-SITE visitor centre manager Matt Wong is better placed than most in Queenstown to ascertain the number of Chinese New Year visitors, which he says has steadily increased over the past few years.
"Five years ago, you wouldn't even have thought about it, but now it's a big chance for us," Mr Wong said.
"I certainly expect to see it increase on last year as it's continuing to grow."
Queenstown's accessibility has improved with China Southern Airlines' Guangzhou-Auckland flights, Air Asia X flights from Kuala Lumpur to Christchurch and Jetstar's Singapore-to-Auckland service.
Already, holiday visitors are beginning to arrive, with operators such as Skyline reporting packed dinner services and businesses around town putting up posters emblazoned with the Chinese characters for "Happy New Year".
"By all accounts the hotels are actually benefiting as well, reporting capacity and numbers which are higher than usual," Mr Wong said.
He said i-SITE staff had been upskilling to learn how best to deal with Chinese visitors, a rapidly growing market, not just over the Chinese New Year period but throughout the year.
"Language is a huge part of it ... but it's more understanding that you need to build the trust before you can build the sales."
Bonz Gallery, in the Queenstown Mall, is another business making sure it is ready to deal with the shifting market and the new year influx, Bonz Group New Zealand managing director Bonnie Rodwell says.
The gallery, which sells New Zealand arts and crafts, was taken by surprise last year.
"It was our first Chinese New Year and we weren't ready for it, but the turnover went through the roof," Ms Rodwell said.
"We only wish it was Chinese New Year every day as we don't do this well over the entire year, just in small parts, so we are very excited."
The once predominantly Japanese market had shrunk and the gallery had employed two Chinese staff, with other staff required to learn three new Chinese words a week, she said.
However, like Mr Wong, Ms Rodwell said it took staff a while to learn how to deal with the Chinese style of negotiating sales.
"Bonz doesn't discount, so we have done a lot of research and spent a lot of time and energy on learning how to sell to a group of Chinese instead of watching them walk out the door." Her biggest one-off sale came last year when $38,000 of goods were bought by a Chinese actress, and greater revenue for businesses like hers "flowed on" to other businesses in the resort, she said.
She expected next year's Chinese New Year period would be "doubly busy" and hoped to have found a big red dragon by then to put in the front window of the gallery.
Ziptrek owner Trent Yeo is another Queenstown businessman who sees the importance of the period and the Chinese market - so much so he is learning Mandarin.
Mr Yeo is one of the members of the Destination Queenstown group heading to Shen Zhen, Guangdong Province in March to further promote the Southern Lakes as a travel destination.
With China and India now "the big movers and shakers" in the travel market, it was important for businesses to learn about the Chinese market, not only because of the increase in visitors "but due to the big outbound market as well".
In keeping with this, Mr Yeo and another Queenstown operator are planning a "post-mission mission".
"We are going to go inland into the mountains, way out into the regions, and get a better feel of the different traditions, which is as exciting for us as the Chinese coming here."
While he needed "a Chinatown" to be able to find proper Chinese New Year decorations, he has come up with a different way to celebrate - half-price Ziptrek tickets for anyone born in the Year of the Dragon.
A Chinese restaurateur in Queenstown, who did not wish to be named, said there was always a peak in business during the Chinese New Year period.
"With Chinese New Year people just want Chinese food; it's just like your Christmas with Turkey."
Better prepared for New Year
By Joe Dodgshun on Mon, 23 Jan 2012
Chinese visitors keep resort busy
Queenstown businesses reported an increase in the number of Chinese visitors last week and early this week, as the resort experienced a "record Chinese New Year".
The week-long celebration, equivalent to Western Christmas and New Year festivities and the most significant travel week for the Chinese and Asian market, started last Monday.
Destination Queenstown chief executive Tony Everitt was impressed to see so many Chinese visitors in town and said a broad base of DQ member businesses had reported "significantly increased Chinese business".
"It's pretty pleasing to see places like the holiday parks and adventure activities also benefited," Mr Everitt said.
"It shows that not only are we getting the package tourists, but independent Chinese travellers, who are prepared to try something a bit more adventurous."
Visitor centre manager Matt Wong, who, like many businesses, decorated his office windows with DQ's "Happy Chinese New Year" signs, said the response was overwhelming.
"Even having those signs up was enough to attract visitors into the store and sitting on the desk with all these people asking me if I speak Chinese was quite funny."
He and another staff member have since signed up for lessons.
He said walking the streets of Queenstown last week was reminiscent of the days of the Japanese tourist boom, albeit with visitors from China and other Asian countries.
"One thing I noticed was a lot of people coming from Auckland and Australia, and in particular, young people living abroad, who bought their families over here from China on holiday."
Skyline also reported a large number of Chinese visitors during the week, and general manager Lindon Thomas said almost all of last week's dinner services were packed.
"Last week was just really busy with Chinese and Japanese guests, and I think each night was sold out for dinner," Mr Thomas said.
"With two sittings and 250 people in each sitting, these are some decent numbers."
Bonz Gallery and Bonz Group New Zealand managing director Bonnie Rodwell said the numbers experienced were similar to last year, but remained high after Chinese New Year.
Ms Rodwell thought the key to growing the new year market was to focus on keeping the visitors here for longer, and said the store was definitely better prepared for their arrival this year.
"It was much easier this year .. they thought it was very funny us trying to speak Mandarin, but we were trying ..."
When asked if there was any possibility of festivities next year, Mr Everitt said Queenstown would be better to focus on attracting visitors over the holiday with the resort's beauty and amenities.
" I think we did up the ante this year .. and we need to continue that and make people feel welcome, but at the same time people come here to see Queenstown, not the extravagant dragon dancers they can see at home." By Joe Dodgshun on Fri, 3 Feb 2012 http://www.odt.co.nz/news/queenstown-lakes/195206/better-prepared-new-year
The week-long celebration, equivalent to Western Christmas and New Year festivities and the most significant travel week for the Chinese and Asian market, started last Monday.
Destination Queenstown chief executive Tony Everitt was impressed to see so many Chinese visitors in town and said a broad base of DQ member businesses had reported "significantly increased Chinese business".
"It's pretty pleasing to see places like the holiday parks and adventure activities also benefited," Mr Everitt said.
"It shows that not only are we getting the package tourists, but independent Chinese travellers, who are prepared to try something a bit more adventurous."
Visitor centre manager Matt Wong, who, like many businesses, decorated his office windows with DQ's "Happy Chinese New Year" signs, said the response was overwhelming.
"Even having those signs up was enough to attract visitors into the store and sitting on the desk with all these people asking me if I speak Chinese was quite funny."
He and another staff member have since signed up for lessons.
He said walking the streets of Queenstown last week was reminiscent of the days of the Japanese tourist boom, albeit with visitors from China and other Asian countries.
"One thing I noticed was a lot of people coming from Auckland and Australia, and in particular, young people living abroad, who bought their families over here from China on holiday."
Skyline also reported a large number of Chinese visitors during the week, and general manager Lindon Thomas said almost all of last week's dinner services were packed.
"Last week was just really busy with Chinese and Japanese guests, and I think each night was sold out for dinner," Mr Thomas said.
"With two sittings and 250 people in each sitting, these are some decent numbers."
Bonz Gallery and Bonz Group New Zealand managing director Bonnie Rodwell said the numbers experienced were similar to last year, but remained high after Chinese New Year.
Ms Rodwell thought the key to growing the new year market was to focus on keeping the visitors here for longer, and said the store was definitely better prepared for their arrival this year.
"It was much easier this year .. they thought it was very funny us trying to speak Mandarin, but we were trying ..."
When asked if there was any possibility of festivities next year, Mr Everitt said Queenstown would be better to focus on attracting visitors over the holiday with the resort's beauty and amenities.
" I think we did up the ante this year .. and we need to continue that and make people feel welcome, but at the same time people come here to see Queenstown, not the extravagant dragon dancers they can see at home." By Joe Dodgshun on Fri, 3 Feb 2012 http://www.odt.co.nz/news/queenstown-lakes/195206/better-prepared-new-year
Chinese consulate in Christchurch will help Dunedin
A newly established Chinese consulate in Christchurch will significantly strengthen Dunedin's growing trade and tourism links with China, Chinese community representatives believe.
Tan Xiutian, the newly appointed Chinese consul-general to Christchurch, made a familiarisation visit to Dunedin this week, visiting the Dunedin Chinese Garden and meeting about 30 representatives of several Chinese organisations, members of the city's Chinese community and business representatives.
Ms Tan also met Dunedin civic leaders, as well as senior administrators and academics at the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic, and visited the Otago Museum during her first visit to the city.
The Chinese Government had sped up the planned establishment of the consulate-general in Christchurch to show its strong support for New Zealand and citizens of the earthquake-hit city, she said in an interview.
China already has a consulate-general in Auckland and an embassy in Wellington.
Ms Tan noted China sent a rescue team to Christchurch after the major earthquake in February last year, and an internationally acclaimed Chinese acrobatic troupe had also recently performed there.
In a later talk to Chinese community and business representatives, Ms Tan praised Dunedin as a "beautiful" city with a "superb" Chinese Garden and acknowledged the sister city relationship with Shanghai.
She thanked former Dunedin mayor Peter Chin and others who had been trying to foster closer links between New Zealand and China.
Malcolm Wong, who chairs the Dunedin Chinese Gardens Trust and the Dunedin Shanghai Association, formally welcomed her to the garden.
Establishing the Consulate-general in Christchurch would help support growing trade and tourism links between Dunedin and China, he said in an interview. It would be much easier for Dunedin businesspeople to travel to Christchurch than to have to go to Wellington, he said. Chinese consulate in Christchurch will help Dunedin
By John Gibb on Thu, 16 Feb 2012
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/197929/chinese-consulate-christchurch-will-help-dunedin
Tan Xiutian, the newly appointed Chinese consul-general to Christchurch, made a familiarisation visit to Dunedin this week, visiting the Dunedin Chinese Garden and meeting about 30 representatives of several Chinese organisations, members of the city's Chinese community and business representatives.
Ms Tan also met Dunedin civic leaders, as well as senior administrators and academics at the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic, and visited the Otago Museum during her first visit to the city.
The Chinese Government had sped up the planned establishment of the consulate-general in Christchurch to show its strong support for New Zealand and citizens of the earthquake-hit city, she said in an interview.
China already has a consulate-general in Auckland and an embassy in Wellington.
Ms Tan noted China sent a rescue team to Christchurch after the major earthquake in February last year, and an internationally acclaimed Chinese acrobatic troupe had also recently performed there.
In a later talk to Chinese community and business representatives, Ms Tan praised Dunedin as a "beautiful" city with a "superb" Chinese Garden and acknowledged the sister city relationship with Shanghai.
She thanked former Dunedin mayor Peter Chin and others who had been trying to foster closer links between New Zealand and China.
Malcolm Wong, who chairs the Dunedin Chinese Gardens Trust and the Dunedin Shanghai Association, formally welcomed her to the garden.
Establishing the Consulate-general in Christchurch would help support growing trade and tourism links between Dunedin and China, he said in an interview. It would be much easier for Dunedin businesspeople to travel to Christchurch than to have to go to Wellington, he said. Chinese consulate in Christchurch will help Dunedin
By John Gibb on Thu, 16 Feb 2012
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/197929/chinese-consulate-christchurch-will-help-dunedin
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