John Young Interview - Stories of Chinese New Zealanders

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

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.

John Young is a third generation Chinese in New Zealand. He was born in Poon Yue county, Guangdong province, China. During the war time, his family had to flee to Hanoi in Vietnam when he was 8, while his father was in New Zealand. Eventually his family came to New Zealand in 1949 to unite with his father. He worked at the family’s fruit shop and later opened his own gift shop. John contributed a lot to the Chinese community for a long time. Nowadays John continues to teach Tai Chi.

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