Han Chinese, Min Nan in New Zealand

People Name:	Han Chinese, Min Nan
Country:	New Zealand
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	6,500
World Population:	44,117,900
Primary Language:	Chinese, Min Nan
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	3.00 %
Evangelicals:	1.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Chinese
Affinity Bloc:	East Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Min Nan people are also called Hokkien or Hoklo. Their ancestral home is southern Fujian Province in southeastern China. Some fled to Taiwan during Japanese occupancy in 1895.

There have been two major waves of Chinese immigrants to New Zealand. One was in the mid 19th century when there was a gold rush. The Chinese came mainly from Guangdong Province, which is next to Fujian. After WWII, there was another wave of Chinese immigrants who were escaping the communist takeover of China.

Where Are they Located?

Most of the Chinese migrants to New Zealand live near Auckland.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Chinese immigrants in New Zealand have a strong desire for education as a means toward economic advancement. They make sure their children get a good education. This often means they try to prepare their children for higher education even at an early age while the local New Zealanders are focusing their children on playful aspects of education.

There is a difference between the economic well-being of New Zealand born Chinese and the foreign-born Chinese. Those born in New Zealand have a much lower unemployment rate, and they earn even higher wages than the White population. Language skills probably account for some of this. The ethnic Chinese population, be they domestic or foreign born, tend to work in the food industry or retail trade.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The primary religion practiced by the Min Nan Chinese is ethnic religion. Ethnic religion is deeply rooted in a people's ethnic identity and conversion essentially equates to cultural assimilation or even betrayal. These beliefs are usually much weaker for those who have lived in the host country for at least a generation.

What Are Their Needs?

The Min Nan Chinese in New Zealand need a spiritual hunger that will give them the desire to seek and find the one who gives life to the full.

Prayer Points

Pray for Min Nan people to be able to find jobs in New Zealand where they can contribute to their host country and flourish economically.
Pray for other Han Chinese groups in New Zealand to disciple those who are spiritually hungry in the ways of Jesus.
Pray for a Disciple-Making movement among the Min Nan people to flourish in New Zealand.