Chinese history explored

An art exhibition in Devonport is urging its community to discuss the recent history of Chinese New Zealanders.

Gum Sarn: Evolving Notions of the ‘‘Sweet Earth’’ opens at the Depot Artspace on on August 19.

The exhibition was a very personal one for curator Margaux Wong, who called on close family and friends to help her explore this history.

‘‘It sort of evolved out of constant conversations I’ve had with Kiwis from all walks of life.

‘‘I think that whenever we think about Chinese in New Zealand there are lots of ‘I remember when’ moments,’’ said Wong, who is a fifth-generation resident New Zealand Chinese.

Curating the exhibition had revealed Wong’s greatgrandfather and great greatgrandfathers’ poll tax certificates, something that was unique to only Chinese immigrants who entered New Zealand in the 19th and 20th centuries. This traced Wong’s family’s presence in the country back over a century.

However, Wong hoped the public could also take something away from the exhibition, even if it was just the price of chicken chow mein back in the day.

‘‘I hope they learn a lot more about the Chinese who came to New Zealand ... We have contributed so much and flourished. We are a big part of New Zealand’s multicultural society.’’

IMAGE COURTESY OF SEWMOY WING Margaux Wong’s great-grandmother Wong Hop inside the Waimarie Fruit Mart (1960s).