Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Should you have to change your name to find a job? Many of our early Chinese migrants were given simple English names when they first arrived in New Zealand in order to mollify immigration officials and to fit in with the then existing Eurocentric culture. How much has much changed? The Asian work force is a critical and growing part of New Zealand’s labour market, according to key findings in a recent Department of Labour Report. However Yik Kun Heng; Chinese New Zealander, highly qualified and with honours in Political Studies from Auckland University experienced over 170 job rejections until it was finally suggested he Anglicise his name in order to find employment.

Future Dragonz, a large network of upwardly mobile Chinese New Zealanders have come up with a public conversation series titled Slanted to enable discussion around these issues. Their first panel discussion: White or Wong? Unlocking the Bamboo Door saw members sharing their work life experience and discussing myths and realities of workforce dynamics in contemporary New Zealand. Lynda Chanwai-Earle hears from three of the Future Dragonz panelists; Yik Kun Heng, Alistair Kwun and Wong Liu Shueng.

Links:
Future Dragonz - events
Intercultural Works
Yik Kun Heng

Left: Wong Liu Shueng. Right: Alistair Kwun.