Banana Conference unpeels itself over the weekend

MEDIA RELEASE
3 JUNE 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Banana Conference unpeels itself over the weekend

The first ever Crouching Tiger, Hidden Banana conference will take place in Auckland on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th June at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT).

Organised by the New Zealand Chinese Association (Auckland Branch) Inc. (NZCA), the conference is set to address key issues and raise critical debate around challenges faced by local and overseas born Chinese communities living in New Zealand.

“The thrust of the conference will be on the evolving identity of Chinese New Zealanders - past, present and future,” says NZCA Chairman Kai Luey.

“It is a genuine attempt to bridge the gap in understanding between the descendants of the early settlers and recent migrants. At the same time we will challenge stereotypes and shift perceptions that mainstream society and media have of our communities,” adds Mr. Luey.

Prominent representatives from community, public, private, academic, creative industries and youth sectors will speak over the two day period.

The conference organisers encourage those from wider communities such as Maori, Pakeha, Asian and Pacific Island to attend.

“Communities don’t exist and function in isolation. They must work together to live together. To do that we must be prepared to tackle tough social issues,” stresses Mr. Luey.

Full programme, venue and booking details available online at www.goingbananas.org.nz

The conference sponsors are MG Marketing, Asia New Zealand Foundation, Fresh Direct, University of Auckland, The New Zealand Herald, AUT, Auckland City Libraries, Chuah Design Ltd. and Glacier Investments.

ENDS

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