Business leader and current chair of the Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust Rodney Wong, in discussion with retired lawyer, and past chair of the trust, Tony Thackery, examine the impact of the 1881 Poll Tax imposed on Chinese immigrants in New Zealand. It was a significant source of hardship and discrimination, leading to the separation of families and the loss of social status. The tax was part of a broader set of discriminatory measures that included restrictions on naturalisation, residency, and universal social benefits such as the right to vote. The Chinese community protested against these injustices, highlighting the value they brought to the wider community and the injustice of the tax. The poll tax was officially lifted in 1934, with a formal apology by the New Zealand Government in 2002, but its legacy continues to affect the Chinese community in New Zealand.
Image: Poll Tax Certificate, [Photograph]. Image courtesy of Manying Ip. Used with permission.
