Dunedin has enjoyed a long-term relationship with Asia. As was the case in the United States, Canada and Australia, the initial impetus for Chinese migration to New Zealand was a gold rush.
Dunedin’s historical linkages to Asia have developed into contemporary connections, demonstrated primarily in the substantial change in the ethnic composition of its population, as well as in the considerable numbers of international students, and the established Asian communities who in some cases have lived in Dunedin for several generations. With the recent development of the Chinese Garden, along with a youthful and divergent Asian population, the evolving ethnic composition of Dunedin seems to be largely viewed in a positive way.
Author:
Dr Wardlow Friesen