New book on Māori-Chinese identity reveals untold history of New Zealand

12 June 2007 AUCKLAND, New Zealand

A new book exploring the history of Māori-Chinese in New Zealand by author Jenny Bol Jun Lee will be launched at Waipapa Marae by Dr James Ng on Thursday 14 June. The book Jade Taniwha: Māori-Chinese Identity and Schooling in Aotearoa reveals the history of Māori-Chinese history in New Zealand. Māori-Chinese author Jenny Bol Jun Lee shows how Māori-Chinese identity has emerged between different traditions and influences, and captures this history through the accounts of four Māori-Chinese.

"This unique group has a fascinating history on the margins of mainstream New Zealand history, one often intersected with racism, exclusion and colonialism," Jenny said.

"This is a story that is uniquely New Zealand. Māori-Chinese take pride in both Māori and Chinese traditions and draw strength from their different identities."

The book follows the development of Māori-Chinese in New Zealand, looking at the role that schooling has played in their identity. This is a compelling and often deeply personal book, and Jade Taniwha will be an important resource both for academics as well as for readers interested in finding out more about Māori-Chinese.

Jenny is a Director of Rautaki Ltd, and currently completing her Doctorate of Education. She was previously a secondary school teacher and lecturer in Māori Education at The University of Auckland from 2000-2005.
For more information please contact:

Maryann Lee
Rautaki Limited
021 800 877
maryann@rautaki.co.nz