Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust

07/04/2026

Congratulations to the New Zealand Chinese Association (NZCA) on a remarkable Easter Tournament. NZCA Easter Sports Tournament 2026 Auckland

As trustees of the Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to New Zealand Chinese Association Auckland for delivering an outstanding 2026 Easter Sports Tournament.

This year marked 76 years of this flagship event — a tradition that continues to bring our Chinese New Zealand community together from across Aotearoa. It was inspiring to see generations reconnect through sport, friendship, shared culture and heritage.

As a major supporter of the tournament the event kicked off with an opening ceremony filled with culture, with 4 days and nights of incredible sporting and social events.

The wonderful Journeys of Belonging: The Chinese Story in New Zealand history forum and heritage room showcased powerful stories of Chinese New Zealanders. These moments of reflection remind us why preserving and sharing our history matters.

The history of the Chinese Poll Tax was told in a major display.

Within the forum, there were the book launches of 'Daughters of Two Cultures' by Eva Wong Ng and 'Finding the Rosenbrock Women' by Nicky Won – both books were supported by the CPTHT. Lily Lee and Lynda Chan-Wai Earle gave a presentation and showing of the film 'Farewell Guangdong', supported by the CPTHT and introduced their upcoming film about the Chinese Poll Tax. Melissa Chan-Green spoke about NZ Chinese in the defence forces during WW1 and WW2 and Denise Ng, about the Lawrence Chinese Camp, a restoration project - both projects were also proudly supported by the CPTHT. Helen Wong gave a very useful presentation about how to research your family history.

Thank you to the organisers, volunteers, athletes, supporters, and everyone who contributed to another unforgettable Easter weekend. Your dedication keeps this legacy strong.
Hearty congratulations NZCA Auckland for an extraordinary celebration of community, culture, and connection.

01/04/2026

Eva Wong Ng's new book " Daughter of Two Cultures", funded by the Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust, launches in Auckland at the NZCA Easter Tournament this Sat 4 April, 10-11 am at the Trusts Arena in Hendersen. Come join us!

26/03/2026

The Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust is honoured to be a major supporter of the 76th annual NZCA Easter Sports Tournament 2026 Auckland

Running strong since 1948, this tournament remains one of the most enduring celebrations of Chinese community spirit in Aotearoa. This year New Zealand Chinese Association Auckland is hosting the annual event.

Alongside the sports and social events, we’re excited to support a special Heritage Expo, featuring stories of Chinese New Zealanders and book launches backed by the Trust.

A weekend of sport, culture, and history — celebrating our past and our future together.

See you at Easter 2026!

All Easter weekend:

📍 Upstairs in the Genesis Room at Trusts Arena, Henderson

Step into the rich history of Chinese New Zealand with engaging displays, inspiring talks, and interactive sessions. Explore Chinese New Zealand history displays, attend book launches, browse book sales, and meet the authors behind the stories.

Learn how to research your own family roots and connect with the legacy of our community.

There’s something for everyone—come along, be inspired, and celebrate our shared history. 📚

04/03/2026

March 21 - Join current chair of the Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust, Rodney Wong, in discussion with retired lawyer and past chair of the trust, Tony Thackery, as they examine the impact of the 1881 Poll Tax imposed on Chinese immigrants in New Zealand.

Business leader and current chair of the Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust Rodney Wong, in discussion with retired lawyer, and past chair of the trust, Tony Thackery, examine the impact of the 1881 Poll Tax imposed on Chinese immigrants in New Zealand. It was a significant source of hardship and discr...

03/03/2026

The 76th NZCA Easter Sports Tournament will be held in Auckland this year. CPTHT is proud to once again support this cultural, social and sporting flagship event.

03/03/2026

Wandering Ghost Pitch – Trailer Release

The Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust is proud to support the trailer for Wandering Ghost Pitch, a docu‑drama exploring the life and times of Joe K*m Yung.

Joe K*m Yung, a retired goldminer, was murdered in Wellington’s Haining Street in 1905 by white supremacist Lionel Terry. This tragic event exposed the hostility faced by New Zealand’s small but long‑established Chinese community and remains a stark reminder of the prejudice our early settlers endured.

Director Kim Webby hopes this trailer offers a glimpse into Joe’s overlooked story and the wider history surrounding it. It is also intended as an educational resource for websites, social media, and community organisations, so you are welcome to share and use it.

Wandering Gost Docu-Drama Pitch Trailer

22/02/2026

A hive of activity in Wellington for the Lunar New Year! We are proud to support this event in the Capital.

16/02/2026

🐎✨ 恭喜發財！The Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust wishes all, across Aotearoa, a Happy Lunar New Year ✨🐎

Gung Hei Fat Choy 恭喜發財!
Sun Tai Gin Hong 身體健康!
Maaih Jeun Sihng Gung 萬事勝意!

May the coming year bring your whānau good health, prosperity, and joy.

15/02/2026

For the 2025/2026 funding round (round 2), the Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust grant applications open on 18 February 2026 and close on 25 March 2026. The trust funds projects supporting the history, language, and culture of Chinese New Zealanders, particularly those benefiting descendants.

This document lists the opening, closing and decision dates for all funds administered by Department of Internal Affairs Te Tari Taiwhenua's (Department) Hāpai Hapori branch.

15/02/2026

The rain didn't dampen the festivities on Saturday. The Trust was a principal sponsor for this annual Chinese New Year event in Auckland.

01/02/2026

Proud to be supporting the Lunar New Year Festival - an event that is a "must see" in Wellington.

Gung hei fat choy. Sun nien fai lok.

✨🧧 Are you counting down the days to the 2026 Lunar New Year Festival? Because we certainly are!

As the festival draws closer, we'd like to take a moment to thank all our incredible funders and sponsors who helped bring this year's festival to life!

A special shoutout to our Principal Sponsor Golden Sun for making this year's festival possible, and to Pyrostar International for their ongoing support ofthe spectacular Fireworks Display. 🎆

We're also grateful for the generous support of Four Winds Foundation , Confucius Institute at Victoria University of Wellington , Embassy of the People's Republic of China in New Zealand, Ministry for Ethnic Communities, Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust , and NW Group.

We'd also like to thank our special festival supporters - Good Company Arts, Mark Tantrum Photography , Te Papa, and Wellington Airport.

🎉Want to find out more about this year's festival celebrations? Head to our website https://lunarnewyearfestival.co.nz/all-festival-events