Interview of Willie Wong - Stories of Chinese New Zealanders

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

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.

Willie Wong is a third generation Chinese in New Zealand. His father came here in 1917, just having married. However, he could not bring his wife here for 22 years, until in 1939 she could come as a war refugee. Willie was born in Wellington. After leaving school he worked in a variety of jobs and ran different businesses, including a fruit shop and a restaurant. His last business was Molesworth Fruit and Produce, the biggest and busiest fruit shop in Wellington for 12 years. Now he 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