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Post by NZBC on Dec 31, 2007 13:47:12 GMT 12
THE QUEEN'S SERVICE MEDAL
Percy Chew Lee, Christchurch, for services to the Chinese community and the community
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Post by NZBC on Dec 31, 2007 18:50:57 GMT 12
Eric Wong Ming and Percy Chew Lee ¨C two people who paid the Chinese poll tax in New Zealand ¨C were specialguests at a celebration at Parliament on February 11 to mark the Chinese New Year and to launch the second edition ofThe Poll Tax in New Zealand. Prime Minister Helen Clark welcomed the two poll taxpayers, and said the Government recognised and valued theimportance of the Chinese community.¡°It makes a huge economic and social contribution to ourcountry,¡± she said. ¡°The many new Chinese migrants are alsobringing new ideas, a strong work ethic, and valuablecontacts with their countries of origin.¡±It is estimated that up to 4500 Chinese people paid the polltax between 1881 and 1934.At a Chinese New Year celebration last year, Helen Clarkapologised for the poll tax and announced that theDepartment of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and theOffice of Ethnic Affairs, would work with representativesfrom the poll tax descendant community to determine themost appropriate way forward.During May 2002, 10 community consultation meetings wereheld around the country, with just over 1000 peopleattending. Suggestions were made during the meetings, and 420 written submissions were received up to January 2003.The Office of Ethnic Affairs and the Poll Tax advisory teamare now drawing up a reconciliation proposal to be presentedto the Government for consideration.Prime Minister Helen Clarkwith poll tax payersEric Wong Ming andPercy Chew Lee.Ethnic Affairs Minister Chris Carter said Chinese people hadbeen a wonderful asset to New Zealand.¡°Chinese people work hard,¡± Mr Carter said. ¡°Chinese pupilshave excelled in our schools. Chinese people are law-abidingand valued citizens. The Government will ensure that allethnic New Zealanders are seen, heard, accepted andincluded, and that they are able to grow and thrive in oursociety.¡±The Poll Tax in New Zealandwas produced after the NewZealand Chinese Association commissioned historian NigelMurphy in 1993 to research and document his findings onthe poll tax and its effect on the Chinese community. It isavailable from the Office of Ethnic Affairs.Poll tax payers special guests at ParliamentPrime Minister Helen Clark with the second edition of The Poll Tax in New Zealand, which was launched at Parliament during Chinese New Year celebrations.
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Post by nzbc on Jul 29, 2008 18:33:42 GMT 12
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