Golden Enterprise: New Zealand Chinese Merchants 1860s-1970s

Commissioned by the Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust, Golden Enterprise offers a compelling re-examination of New Zealand Chinese history from the 1860s to the 1970s, focusing on the pivotal role of Cantonese merchants.

These early entrepreneurs not only facilitated Chinese immigration but also shaped the identity of Chinese New Zealanders within the broader context of New Zealand’s shifting relationships with China, Britain, and the wider world. Drawing on extensive archival research in both Chinese and English sources, Phoebe H. Li illuminates the merchants’ transnational business and social networks, providing fresh perspectives on Chinese migration to the South Pacific.

This richly illustrated volume combines in-depth historical analysis with vivid human stories, complemented by a stunning collection of paintings and photographs. With its accessible style, Golden Enterprise appeals to both academic readers and those with a general interest in New Zealand and Chinese diaspora histories.