Why Robin Hyde is My Homegirl

Robin Hyde, born Iris Guiver Wilkinson, was a New Zealand journalist, poet and novelist who raised her middle finger at the expectations of housewifery in post-WWI society by travelling solo to the frontline in China during the war with Japan in 1938. The resulting work was Dragon Rampant. “I haven’t attempted anything so presumptuous as a book about China– only aContinueContinue reading “Why Robin Hyde is My Homegirl”

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”

Huh, where are my roots? Oh, there they are.

“Don’t forget your roots, my friend,” jangled that awful song by Six60, bringing flashbacks of some drunk chick’s ass crack in my face as she shoulder rode her boo at Homegrown 2011.   Though the concept remains present. How can I forget my roots if I’ve never seen them before? The time has come to return toContinueContinue reading “Huh, where are my roots? Oh, there they are.”

The 75th Anniversary of Chinese War Refugees in New Zealand

Seventy five years ago, 239 women and 244 children fled the brutal Japanese invasion of Canton and made their way to New Zealand; marking the beginning Chinese family settlement in Aotearoa. Kiwese spoke with Helen Wong from the New Zealand Chinese Association to find out more. Hi Helen! What’s your family’s story in New Zealand? My family are from Jung Seng (nowContinueContinue reading “The 75th Anniversary of Chinese War Refugees in New Zealand”

Enter the lounge with Kerry Ann Lee

Kiwese got to hang out with multi-media visual artist, designer and punk enthusiast Kerry Ann Lee at her cozy abode in Mount Victoria, for a rainy afternoon full of LPs, books, ornaments, coffee and fresh cream donuts. Hey KAL! Tell us about the upcoming exhibition you are involved with in Auckland? Its called Unstuck in Time, it’s aContinueContinue reading “Enter the lounge with Kerry Ann Lee”