Attitudes toward Asians become more positive A report by the Asia New Zealand Foundation, New Zealanders’ perceptions of Asia and Asian peoples: 1997–2011 shows that New Zealanders’ attitudes to Asian immigration and immigrants have become more positive over time.7 The report captures the changes that have occurred over 15 years since the Asia New Zealand Foundation first began to analyse public opinion towards Asia and Asian peoples in 1997. In the late 1990s, the average proportion of New Zealanders who rated Asian immigration as positive or very positive was 31 per cent. However, by 2011, this had increased to 55 per cent. Most New Zealanders agreed that Asian people contributed significantly to our economy and brought valuable cultural diversity to Aotearoa New The Taniwha and the Dragon: ancient and modern bonds Mäori and Chinese cultural bonds were celebrated at a pöwhiri and festival hosted by Ngäti Whätua o Oräkei and Auckland Chinese community leaders. The inaugural Taniwha and Dragon Festival was an extravaganza of cultural experiences including kapa haka, dragon dances, traditional foods and the flying of traditional Mäori and Chinese kites. The festival was followed later in the year by a Taniwha and Dragon cross-cultural concert arranged by the Music Association of Auckland and Te Pou Whakairo Kapa Haka group. The Taniwha and Dragon initiative emphasised the ancient genetic bonds which unite Mäori and Chinese. It also highlighted contemporary bonds such as a shared experience of discrimination in Aotearoa New Zealand and a commitment to building understanding of cultural differences. The festival was an opportunity to reflect on the burgeoning business links between Mäori and Chinese, as Mäori consider options for investing and developing iwi assets alongside the growing influence of Chinese investors and business experts. Speaking about the Taniwha and Dragon Festival, Mäori Affairs Minister Dr Pita Sharples said “The new millennium sees Mäori people connecting with Chinese people in many ways, through trade and business, via cultural and educational exchanges, and as citizens of the global environment. All of these things should be based on building strong relationships between our people and communities”. 8 20 20