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This exhibition celebrates the life of New Zealand's first Chinese Immigrant and early Nelson settler Wong Ah Poo Hoc Ting also known as Appo Hocton. Appo Hocton, New Zealand's first naturalised Chinese immigrant, arrived in Nelson in 1842, within months of its settlement. As a nine-year-old, Wong Ah Poo Hoc Ting left South China to become a cabin boy on English sailing ships. In his early 20s he was a steward on the immigrant ship, the Thomas Harrison, bound for New Zealand. |
After jumping ship in Nelson he was employed by the vessel's former surgeon, Thomas Renwick, as a housekeeper, saving enough to buy a bullock team and establish a carting business. His successful assimilation into colonial New Zealand society is illustrated in references from influential men which accompanied his successful application for naturalisation, thus enabling him to buy property. Marriage and children to two European women followed as Appo became in turn a property developer, fungus and scrap iron dealer, and farmer. Described as a gentleman upon his death in 1920, Appo Hocton's story is one of migration, diversity, integration and acceptance.
The exhibition opened on Saturday 27th February 2010 with a function to officially launch the book Appo Hocton, Wong Ah Poo Hoc Ting, New Zealand's First Chinese Immigrant, Nelson 1842 - 1920.
Over 200 guests attended the launch including The Honourable Pansy Wong, Minister for Ethnic Affairs and The Honourable Nick Smith, Cabinet Minister and Nelson MP. Many of the guests were decendants of Appo Hocton including Diana Clark Hocton's great granddaughter.
For Diana Clark the book was the end product of years of family research. The Museum became involved some years ago when it sent Steve Austin, the Museum's former Manager of Programmes and Curatorial Services to Appo's home village in China. Subsequent research was added to material gathered by Diana and the final story was assembled and written by Nelson writer Karen Stade and designed by Karen Price of Nelson based design company Contexo. The publication was made possible with support from the Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust.
The book is 210x240mm, 80pp including 18pp with colour images, printed on 130gsm gloss paper, burst bound with sewn sections.
If you would like to order a copy click here (PDF format) to download an order form.
To view images from the exhibition and book launch click here
If you would like to order images please contact our photographic team via email. photographs@museumnp.org.nz
This exhibition is kindly supported by:
