Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust

27/07/2026

It's back! Don't miss out, be sure to book your tickets.

IT'S BACK 🔥
Following its sold-out premiere in 2021, Pork and Poll Taxes 人頭猪税 returns in 2026 as you've never seen it before.
Reimagined with a bold new creative vision, direction and design, this production brings the powerful story of migration, resilience and belonging during an important part of our Chinese NZ history — it is back on stage and on a whole new level that you shouldn’t miss.

Writer: Talia Pua
Director: Chye-Ling Huang
Cast: Darren Young, Nikita 雅涵 Tu-Bryant, Dennis Zhang 张全, Talia Pua and Xiao Hu

📍 Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre
📅 16–19 September 2026
🎟️ Tickets are on sale now. Link in bio.

Secure your seats and experience one of Aotearoa's most vital events in Asian history.

https://www.aucklandlive.co.nz/show/pork-and-poll-taxes-2026

06/07/2026

The Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust is delighted to congratulate Phoebe Li on being awarded the 2025 Ian Wards Prize by the
Archives and Records Association of New Zealand Te Huinga Mahara.

Her outstanding book, Golden Enterprise: New Zealand Chinese Merchants 1860s to 1970s, commissioned by the Trust, has been recognised for its exemplary use of archival material and its significant contribution to understanding the history of Chinese communities in Aotearoa.

This book is a taonga for our community and for future generations.

Send a message to learn more

06/06/2026

Last week, the Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust was delighted to see Melissa Chan Green speak as the keynote at Rotary Harbourside.

Melissa shared powerful stories from her career in journalism — from covering royal family events, to reporting in conflict zones, to hosting morning television.

She also spoke about her current research into Chinese New Zealand servicemen who served in WWII, a project she is undertaking with her Aunty Ruth Lam (co author of Fruits of Their Labour and Sons of the Soil).

The Trust is proud to be funding this important research, ensuring these stories are recorded, acknowledged, and preserved for future generations.

This work is deeply personal to Melissa, whose own grandfather served. It is an important chapter of our history — one that deserves to be remembered.

01/06/2026

Congratulations to Rodney Wong, Chair of the Trust, for his ONZM recognition.

Close to a dozen Asian New Zealanders have been recognised in this year's King's Birthday Honours List for their services to the country.

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.