Being Maori Chinese

Mixed Identities

Presenting the stories behind several generations of seven Maori-Chinese families whose voices have seldom been heard before, this account casts a fascinating light on the historical and contemporary relations between Maori and Chinese in New Zealand. The two groups first came into contact in the late 19th century and often lived and interacted closely, leading to intermarriage and large families. By the 1930s, proximity and similarities had brought many Maori-Chinese families together, the majority of whom had to deal with cultural differences and discrimination. The growing political confidence of Maori since the 1970s and the more recent tensions around Asian immigration have put pressure on the relationship and the families’ dual identities. Today’s Maori-Chinese, reaffirming their multiple roots and cultural advantages, are playing increasingly important roles in New Zealand society. This account is oral history at its most compelling-an absorbing read for anyone interested in the complex yet rewarding topic of cultural interactions between indigenous and immigrant groups.