Interview of David Eng - Stories of Chinese New Zealanders

Planning, organisation, recording and audio editing: Susan Zou
Interviewer, Project support: Lisa Yung
Interviewee: David Eng

The “Stories of Chinese New Zealanders” is a series of interviews with descendants of Chinese people living in Aotearoa New Zealand. The programme looks at the history of their hard work, their settlement and development, integration into New Zealand society, and dedication to contribute and actively promote Chinese culture. The programme also introduces first generation Chinese New Zealanders’ experiences in studying, working and living in Aotearoa New Zealand.

David Eng is a third generation Chinese in New Zealand. His grandfather from Taishan county, Guangdong province, China arrived in Otago in the early 1900s and was involved in the gold mining industry. David’s father came to New Zealand in the late 1920s and also spent time gold mining, and later worked in the laundry business in Gore and Invercargill.

His father relocated to Wellington and eventually owned a laundry business called Chan Foon Laundry in Majoribanks Street for 35 years. It was the last Chinese laundry businesses to close in New Zealand in 1981. Pataka museum in Porirua has a historical piece of laundry equipment that is housed in their collection from David’s father. Now David is retired.

We are grateful to the Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust and the Wellington City Council for their financial support and Wellington Access Radio for supporting and hosting the programme.

The programme “Stories of Chinese New Zealanders” will be on air from 8 September to 15 December 2019, every Sunday at 9-10pm, on Wellington Access Radio 106.1FM. Tune in to listen to the 15 interviewees’ unique stories.

You can also listen to the programme on the internet at http://www.accessradio.org.nz/stories-of-chinese-new-zealanders.html

If you have any comments about this programme, please send your feedback to the email address of the programme: Chinesestoriesnz@gmail.com