Chinese New Zealanders: Introduction

A DigitalNZ Story by National Library Services to Schools

Chinese New Zealanders have been a significant part of Aotearoa New Zealand since the Otago gold rush. Today, they are a diverse group of early settler descendants and newer Chinese migrants from countries all over the world.

Image: Nokomai Chinese burial site

Nokomai Chinese burial site

Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand

CHINESE NEW ZEALANDERS — INTRODUCTION

From early gold mining in Otago to recent arrivals, Chinese New Zealanders have been a significant part of Aotearoa New Zealand's colonial and modern history. Today, they are a diverse group of early settler descendants and newer Chinese migrants from countries all over the world. 

This topic explores some of their rich stories of arrival and life in Aotearoa New Zealand through the following sub-topics: 

Chinese gold miners in Aotearoa New Zealand: 1865 onwards

Chinese New Zealanders, 1880s-1940s: building lives 

Chinese New Zealanders, 1940s-2020s: new worlds

Chinese New Zealanders: Legislation and policy enacted against Chinese in New Zealand

Borrow books from us

Schools can borrow books about Chinese New Zealanders from our school lending service. 

Please note some items in our lending collection are in high demand. We recommend you also check your school or local library for books relating to Chinese New Zealanders. 

A selection of historical images relating to Chinese New Zealanders

Image: Sham Luk Ts'un's Hut, Tuapeka Creek.

Sham Luk Ts'un's Hut, Tuapeka Creek.

Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand

Image: Chinese Church, Dunedin congregation

Chinese Church, Dunedin congregation

Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand

Image: Family of Mr DK Chung

Family of Mr DK Chung

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Chinese Wedding

Chinese Wedding

Gisborne Photo News

Image: sandwich board

sandwich board

Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira

Image: Chinese lion dancers

Chinese lion dancers

Christchurch City Libraries

Image: Chinese Lantern Festival (1)

Chinese Lantern Festival (1)

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Image: China Night Tauranga 20080173

China Night Tauranga 20080173

Tauranga City Libraries

This story was curated and compiled by Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa | National Library of New Zealand, Services to Schools staff, 2023. We acknowledge the content, research, guidance, and review provided by Kirsten Wong for the New Zealand Chinese Association, Lynette Shum, and Emeritus Professor Dr Manying Ip.