Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust

Available in:

English

url: http://www.ethnicaffairs.govt.nz/oeawebsite.nsf/wpg_URL/Advisory-Services-Consultations-Chinese-Poll-Tax-Heritage-Trust?OpenDocument

History of the Trust

At the time of the Chinese New Year in 2002 the Government of New Zealand formally apologised to the Poll Tax payers and their decendants for the actions of previous Governments in imposing a poll tax on Chinese persons entering New Zealand and in enacting other discriminatory statutes.

As part of this apology, Government has supported the establishment of the Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust, and, in 2005, paid to this Trust the sum of $5,000,000 as a gesture of reconciliation in support of the formal apology.

Aim of the Trust

The broad aim of this Trust is to strengthen the unique identity of Chinese New Zealanders and their communities in New Zealand in recognition of poll-tax payers.