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Navigating the narrative: The SS Ventnor legacy

Photo of Lynette Shum

Navigating the narrative: The SS Ventnor legacy - Shipwrecks, hungry ghosts and cross-cultural ties.

In 1902, the SS Ventnor, en route to China, sank off the Hokianga Heads, with the loss of lives of some of the crew and passengers.

What was remarkable about this ship was that in its cargo were the remains of around 499 Chinese men who had died in New Zealand. Since 2007, the Chinese community, including direct descendants, have built relationships with the local iwi who have looked after the bones for all these years, and together continue to honour the memory of those whose bones and lives were lost.

Presented by Lynette Shum, a third-generation Poon Yue Chinese New Zealander, who follows the path of her late grandfather in her involvement with this fascinating project.

Note: This event was previously called "The SS Ventnor Story and sinking in 1902"

Health & Safety

Health and Safety details for the venue will be provided to attendees on arrival before the presentation.

Location
Ocean Road Community Centre, 45 Ocean Rd, Paraparaumu

Regions

Kāpiti Coast

Tags

Talk
Accessible

Event times

7:30-9:30pm Mon 20 Oct


Booking requiredKoha

Cost: Koha. Tea and coffee provided on arrival.

dwatt@heritage.org.nz

Event hosts

Lynette Shum - Alexander Turnbull Library

Lynette Shum, a third generation Poon Yu Chinese New Zealander, is Oral History Advisor for the Alexander Turnbull Library and has been researching Chinese Wellington history for many decades. Her first home was on the fringes of Chinatown, yet she was unaware of its existence until starting on what was to become the Haining Street Oral History Project. She has completed an MA on the topic.

Email: ATLOutreach@dia.govt.nz

Phone: 044623977

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is the government agency responsible for identifying, protecting and promoting this country’s unique historical and cultural heritage. Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is an autonomous Crown Entity under the Crown Entities Act 2004. Heritage New Zealand is supported by the Government and funded through the Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Heritage New Zealand is co-governed by our Board and Māori Heritage Council.

Email: information@heritage.org.nz

Phone: 04 472 4341

Website: https://www.heritage.org.nz/