The gold-miners who arrived on the West Coast of New Zealand from late 1864 onwards were a cosmopolitan group, coming from most parts of the globe and speaking many different languages.  From late 1866 Chinese were amongst the crowds of people seeking their fortunes on the West Coast.  By the mid 1870s Chinese made up the largest minority group on the West Coast goldfields. 

The main business centres for the Chinese were (in order of importance) Greymouth, Reefton, Hokitika and Westport.  Chinese were part of the West Coast community, in particular they contributed generously to local hospitals and also organized fireworks displays at events such as the celebration of Queen Victoria's 50th year of reign.

NEWSLETTER: Researcher Julia Bradshaw has completed a newsletter which will be sent out occasionally to provide up-dates on Shantytown's 'History of the West Coast Chinese" project.  (First version written May 2007).  Click here to read.

CAN YOU ADD ANYTHING TO THIS STORY?

Chinese families on the West Coast included the names Luey, Young, Fong, Long, Wong, Louis, Tie, Kong.  There were also a number Chinese-European families with the the following names; Lim, Kum, Young Ten, Chow, Choo, Diming, Wah Lee, Chee, Chat Shing. 

• Can anyone add anymore names?

Shantytown has undertaken significant research on the history and experiences of Chinese on the West Coast and we are keen to find further information. 

• We have a large body of material and would welcome contact from anyone who is researching their Chinese heritage or who has reminiscences or memorabilia relating to West Coast Chinese. 
• We are also keen to hear from anyone who may have ancestors who were involved with the Presbyterian Chinese Mission School in Greymouth.

If you can answer any of these questions are have any more information that you think might be useful please contact our Researcher on curator@shantytown.co.nz or (03) 762 6634.  We'd love to hear about it!

The Young family in Greymouth, c.1899.  At the back (left to right) are Mrs Young Hee (name not known), Young Hee, Young Saye, Mrs Young Saye (Choo Marn).  Seated are Mrs John Young (Lau Sze) and John Young (Yeung Tsoon) with Albert Young Saye between them.  The two children at the front are Nellie and Violet Young Saye.  Grey District Library Collection, History House.

Unknown Chinese miner at Ross, c. 1900.