Encounter China during Matariki

Wairarapa Word

Nau mai, Haere mai! Learn about our links with China and our sister city. Be part of an afternoon during Matariki to reflect on our past relationships, where we stand now, and how we might create the future together.

Did you know that Wairarapa has had artist and teacher exchanges with Changchun? That artist Sam Ludden has a tuna-based sculpture in the city’s 90-hectare, world-class sculpture park? Have you sat in the authentic Chinese pavilion in Kuripuni?

Everyone is welcome at Aratoi on Saturday 22 July, 1.30-3.30.

Enjoy an introduction to the recent book, Encountering China –New Zealanders and the People’s Republic, which has 50 very different pieces of writing, by Hone Tūwhare, Nina Mingya Powles, Alison Wong, Murray Edmond, Meng Foon, Pauline Keating and many others.

“Individually these memoirs are absorbing and enjoyable. Collectively the book gives a picture of the breadth and depth of the relationship that is often overlooked.” — Capital Magazine

“Given present geopolitical realities,” writes the book’s co-editor Duncan Campbell, “we were from the start of the process intent that the book would serve to mark the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between NZ and PRC, rather than, necessarily, celebrating the occasion.

“Some we approached for possible contributions were anxious that the book might turn out to be (or be seen to be) ‘anti-China’; others were concerned that given the grave human rights issues presently in China, the book might be understood to be supportive of the Party-state. A rock and a hard place. Both the reviews of the book I have seen and informal conversations with a range of readers suggests that we got the balance largely right.”

Here’s the programme: China scholar Duncan Campbell, who went to school in Wairarapa, will be in conversation with New Zealand China Friendship Society president Chris Lipscombe. Masterton councillors Tim Nelson and Stella Lennox will speak on the Ngā Piringa Tāone Sister City Programme. Sam Ludden will present an illustrated talk on how his two trips to China have enriched his life. Film and theatre producer Paul Sayers, who lived in Changchun for 13 years and has links with Changchun Film Studio & Jilin Opera Company, will lead the discussion.

Free entry. Koha is welcome. Presented by Wairarapa Word, NZ China Friendship Society, Wairarapa Library Service and Almo’s Books, in association with Masterton District Council, Carterton Creative Communities and Aratoi.

Encountering China - and other related books - will be available for purchase & signing.

Chinese tea will be served.

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