Rich Treasure in Alien Soil : Chinese Churches and Poll Tax in Aotearoa New Zealand 1865-1960

Although the number of Chinese who have become Christians in Aotearoa New Zealand has never been particularly large, the impact and influence of the Christian church on the Chinese communities in this country has been significant. Chinese and European Christians have consistently presented the good news of Jesus to the Chinese and have offered them practical assistance.

Up to the 1950s, Christian missionaries at their best presented reliable, first-hand perspectives of events in China and of the Chinese. They have informed and altered public attitudes, often towards more positive views. The churches have also provided places for all to meet, which in turn allowed for positive interaction between Pakeha, Maori, and Chinese. Over recent decades, there has been increasing interest in the history of the settlement of Chinese people in Aotearoa New Zealand. However, there has been less research on Christian mission and ministry among the NZ Chinese community, Rich Treasures in Alien Soil seeks to address this and record their impact.