Auckland City Libraries and the New Zealand Chinese Association Auckland Inc. have collaborated to develop the first New Zealand Chinese digital communities website.

This new initiative will be launched at the Rising Dragons, Soaring Bananas International Conference, on July 18 at the University of Auckland Business School.

The online community aims to create connections within the Chinese community and assist with bridging the gap between generations of Chinese New Zealanders. Users of the website (www.chinesecommunity.org.nz) can upload family history, photographs, videos and stories about life in New Zealand.

A series of workshops are being held across Auckland to show people how to use the site and upload information.

"This partnership between Auckland City Libraries and the New Zealand Chinese Association has been a great opportunity to develop this tool and provide the Chinese community with platform to share stories for future generations, said Group Manager Libraries Allison Dobbie on Friday.

"New Zealand Chinese Association Auckland Inc (NZCA) is delighted to be partnering with Auckland City Libraries to launch and produce the Chinese Digital Community," said Kai Luey, Chairman of New Zealand Chinese Association Auckland Inc.

"Chinese Digital Community is replete with rich, everyday stories which will resonate with people from all walks of life. It is a landmark project for our Association and one which will ensure Chinese New Zealand stories are kept alive forever," he added.

"As a repository, NZCA hopes it will provide future generations with better, faster and easier access to information that houses the memories of those who have contributed deeply to the building of this nation," he said.

"We value the importance of this database in building a wider community of interest in Chinese lives and experiences. Stories help everyone find a point of connection and understand the complexities around who we are," he added.

Source:Xinhua