Cheung, Judith, 1937-

Date: 23 October 2005 - 23 Oct 2005

From: Oral history of Chinese women in New Zealand

By: Cheung, Judith, 1937-

Reference: OHInt-0804-01

Description: Oral history interview with Judith Cheung (nee Lowe), born on the 8th February 1937 in Goon Fu, China. Talks about her parents - details her father's life in New Zealanad prior to his marriage. Discusse coming to New Zealand as a war refugee - mentions Keith and Doreen Lowe, and Bickky Fong. Recalls her father's grocery shop in Gisborne. Talks about beginning school in New Zealand - mentions attending a Chinese School in Gisborne. Recounts how she recieved her English name. Recalls how she learnt to speak English. Discusses the Chinese community in Gisborne - mentions concerts and festivals organised by the community. Discusses race relation between Maori, Pakeha and Chinese in Gisborne while she was growing up. Mentions her father's objection to her wish to persue tertiary training. Talks about running the grocery shop for her parents. Discusses her trip to Hong Kong with her cousin Betty - talks about travelling into China - mentions seeing Chairman Mao. Discusses feelings about returning to China and seeing her extended family. Details her trip home through Japan - mentions Yering Ching Sing and William Kwok. Mentions meeting her husband Alex in Hong Kong - details their engagement and marriage ceremony. Discusses their decision to live in New Zealand rather than Hong Kong. Talks about the toy manufacturing business they started in Auckland - details the division of work between her and her husband and the production process. Discusses their investment in a market near the Auckland railway station. Mentions the sovernir shops they established in Auckland. Talks about her children and their respective careers. Discusses her position as Foundation Secretary and then President of the Tung Jung Association in Auckland - mentions Peter Chan. Talks about being Charter Member of the Rotary International Club - discusses the joint projects undertaken with the Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAFIU). Discusses her current work with community groups within New Zealand. Talks about the opportunities for Chinese women in New Zealand - discusses the importance of connecting with their Chinese heritage. Access Contact - See Oral History Librarian Interviewer(s) - Kitty Chang Accompanying material - 1 colour photograph, 27 x 20 cm [date unknown]; biographical information relating to Judith Cheung. Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-014733 Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-5331. 1 colour photograph, 27 x 20 cm, of Judy Cheung [date unknown]. Search dates: 1937 - 2005