A Cultural

Journey

for Young Chinese New Zealanders

Pāruru 2024 has taken place.

We are enormously grateful to all that took part and those who supported the herenga.

Fun1 Jing4 歡迎

Haere Mai & Welcome

Pāruru is a chance for young Chinese New Zealanders aged 35 and under to travel to Hokianga and Waitangi, to strengthen our identity and connection to Aotearoa New Zealand.

On this trip, we build our sense of place by looking to the past through acknowledging the journeys that brought us here. By understanding the founding documents of our nation, and deepening Māori-Chinese relationships we build pathways into the future.

This initiative is supported by New Zealand Chinese Association.

About us

When & Where

This four-day journey took place on Waitangi Weekend

Saturday 3rd - Tuesday 6th February 2024

between Auckland, Hokianga & Waitangi.

Trip outline

“Our rangatahi are the future kaitieki – guardians of our ancestors”

Meng Foon | FMR. NZCA President

Exploring the 1902 SS Ventnor Story

In 1902, the lives of 13 men and the remains of 499 Chinese were lost when the SS Ventnor sank off the Hokianga coast.

Local iwi and hapū buried the remains in the sand dunes and in their urupā (burial grounds), and passed the story down through the generations. As part of this journey, pay our respects to our ancestors and those who cared of their remains.

Learn More

Outcomes

Celebrating our shared heritage

as Chinese New Zealanders.

Connecting & paying respect

to our ancestors and Tangata Whenua.

Understanding Te Tiriti

and what it means for us as Tangata te Tiriti.

More About Us

Activities

Travel from Auckland to Hokianga

Meet new friends and develop knowledge of the areas in the Far North.
Building Relationships

With the land and people who cared for the remains of 499 gold miners which were lost with the sinking of the 1902 SS Ventnor.
Practice 拜祭 (baai3 zai3, bài jì)

In the urupā (cemetery) near Waipoua Forest where remains from the 1902 SS Ventnor were buried.
Stay on a Marae

Learn the tikanga (customs) associated with visiting and staying on Te Whakamaharatanga Marae.
Returning 'Pāruru'

Returning the pou whenua, to Manea - Footsteps of Kupe. Gifted to the NZCA community in 2021.
Experiencing Waitangi

on Waitangi Day 2024 as a group of young Chinese New Zealanders.