Oral history interview with Janet Joe, born 3rd November 1951 in Hong Kong. Talks about family moving to New Zealand - mentions father's life in New Zealand prior to his marriage. Discusses paternal grandparents' settlement in New Zealand. Talks about how her mother adjusted to life in New Zealand. Talks about her mother's Chinese cooking. Recalls early memories from her childhood - describes the family store in Petone. Talks about Wellington's Chinese community. Details schooling and recreation activities - mentions Petone Central School and Hutt Valley High School. Recalls grandfather teaching Chinese poetry. Talks about going to Haining Street with her grandfather - recalls opium dens. Mentions Joe Guing Yerng and Lionel Chan. Recalls her grandfather starting a Chinese School - discusses how classes were run at the school. Talks about Serng Sup Jeet (Double Ten Day), Chinese New Year and Moon Festival celebrations. Details Poon Far Association activities. Discusses when she began helping in the family store and the types of work she did - mentions leaving school at fifth form to work in the store. Details the job she worked at after leaving the store - mentions James Smiths and KKK Delicatessen.

Talks about moving to Auckland to work before heading overseas in 1972 - disucsses living and working in Hong Kong. Details her work as a flight hostess for Hong Kong Pacific. Talks about returning to New Zealand - mentions the jobs she took upon arrival. Discusses her decision to visit China and seeking her parents approval - details trip and meeting her relatives from China. Talks about taking a job as travel agent for Asian tourists. Mentions starting up a foodhall in Queens Street, Auckland and going into the China Trading business. Discuses decision to sell both businesses and become a travel broker. Details some trips she has organised - mentions the New Zealand Chinese Association. Discusses the importance of identification with Chinese heritage for Chinese New Zealanders. Talks about the changes in China since her parents emigration to New Zealand.

Access Contact - See Oral History Librarian

Interviewer(s) - Kitty Chang

Accompanying material - 1 colour photograph, 27 x 20 cm, 15 October, 2005; biographical information relating to Janet Joe.

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-014737, OHC-014738

Quantity: 2 C90 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2.21 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-5334.

1 colour photograph, 27 x 20 cm, of Janet Joe, 15 October 2005.

Search dates: 1951 - 2005

Original recordings not available for playback. Surrogate copies will be provided.

Alternative form available: Listening copies OHLC-008550 - OHLC-008551