Year 9 students from James Hargest visited us for the day to learn about the Chinese miners in the central Otago region.

Arriving at 11, these students had an information overload as they experienced a museum visit which specifically focused on the Chinese and Gold Mining exhibits. During that session students learned how the Chinese settlers were invited but weren't welcomed by the Europeans. They also studied Chinese artefacts which had been excavated from the Chinese settlement.

A trip to the Chinese settlement was the next thing on the students agenda. At the Chinese settlement, students discovered the difficult learning conditions the Chinese endured during cold Arrowtown winters and heavy flooding. Students also got to see what the huts were made out of, and typical design quirks of these houses in the settlement.

The day came to an end with gold panning at the Arrow river, where students learned about the different methods of panning and about the properties of alluvial gold which is commonly found in the Arrow river. Some students were even fortunate enough to find gold!

Why did the Chinese come to New Zealand?

Why were they not welcomed by the Europeans?

What were their huts made from?

What did the Chinese settlers do for recreation?

Answer my questions and comment below about your visit!