Chinese Poll Tax Trust now open for applications

Media Release
26 February 2009

Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust now open for applications

Members of New Zealand’s Chinese community are being invited to apply for funding from the 2009 funding round of the Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust.

The Trust aims to create heightened understanding of the Chinese community within New Zealand and strengthen the unique identity of Chinese New Zealanders.

Applications for the current funding round close on 31 March 2009. Successful grants will be announced in early June 2009.

The Trust was established in 2002, following the Government’s apology for the historic actions of past governments which imposed a poll tax on Chinese persons entering New Zealand, and enacted other discriminatory statutes.

The Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust provides recognition of the hardship caused by the poll tax, and is a gesture of goodwill to poll tax payers, their descendants, and future generations.

In 2008, the Trust provided over $241,000 for projects and activities across the country.

The New Zealand Guandong Association was granted $2000 to provide art and tuition in Cantonese of Chinese/New Zealand history, and to assist new Chinese immigrants to settle in New Zealand.

Jin Cai Charm received a grant of $3000 to set up courses in Chinese language, traditional Chinese culture, cross cultural negotiation, singing, dancing and cross cultural marriage.

The Tung Jung Association of New Zealand, based in Wellington, was granted $3500 to provide adult Cantonese language classes in four blocks of ten week lessons during 2008 and 2009.

To obtain an application, or to learn more about the Trust, visit the Department of Internal Affairs’ website: www.dia.govt.nz or phone 0800 824 824.

ENDS

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