How Chinese people helped make Otago

Plants such as holly, bamboo, onions, carrots, peas and garlic are from China and imported to New Zealand by the Chinese. They brought them for a keepsake of their culture. The Chinese people brought the plants to remind them of home. Some of these plants are for eating and some of these plants are for looking at. 

These plants are still in Otago today and also in other places.

While Chinese were gold mining in Otago they still celebrated their New Year. Chinese could only celebrate at their huts but still used traditional ideas like fireworks, and decorating with Chinese plants. Back then fireworks were  for  noise, and not colour. The  sound was supposed to scare away the evil spirits.  Fireworks are now a big part of large celebrations in Otago like Guy Fawke's and New Year's Eve.

The Chinese had a game like lotto called  "packpoo". They played these games in their homes. There were games like dominoes which are popular games in New Zealand and other games like old maid. Chinese brought these games to New Zealand so they would not get homesick and for entertainment.

This page was proudly brought to you by Finn, Mark, Scott B, Eden and Courtney

Our Project