fireworks – KIWESE

Roots Manoeuvre: Chinese New Year in the Motherland

From indentured labourers exported to work on American railroads and Samoan plantations to refugees fleeing the Japanese occupation and beyond; the southern county of Taishan, Guangdong 台山，广东 has experienced an exodus of millions moving abroad since the early 19th century. For Chunjie 春节, Chinese New Year, Kiwese felt it was time to ship on down to Guangzhou and get on a bus to see her Great Uncle KanContinueContinue reading “Roots Manoeuvre: Chinese New Year in the Motherland”

Don’t Wah Lee, Be Happy: Interview with Barry Wah Lee

Established in 1904, the iconic Asian goods emporium Wah Lees has been around longer than Pineapple Lumps or Marmite (NZ). Kiwese caught up with Barry Wah Lee at the counter of his red and yellow shop to talk about the ongoing challenges facing independent food and Chinese medicine retailers. Hey Barry! The store front says Wah Lees was established in 1904, that mustContinueContinue reading “Don’t Wah Lee, Be Happy: Interview with Barry Wah Lee”