Market gardener, Chow Yat, lived on the outskirts of Whanganui in post-WWI New Zealand, a time of particularly rampant xenophobia. On 31 May 1922 this humble, hardworking Chinese man was brutally shot four times, and the murder remained unsolved.

However notable New Zealand author Joan Rosier-Jones has brought this true and intriguing story to life, scrutinizing the facts. With an objective viewpoint and an inquisitive approach she pulls the threads of evidence into a compelling read, and offers insight into the dismal and friendless conditions faced by Chinese immigrants at the time. The book also unmasks a botched police investigation: which blindly follows one line of enquiry, detrimentally disregarding vital evidence.

The result? An unsolved murder reeking with racial discrimination. Through sound enquiry, a probing approach and leaving no stone unturned, Rosier-Jones single-handedly all but solves the case.

“There was a time when New Zealanders could not have cared less about the death of a lone Chinese man tending a cabbage patch,” stated New Zealand Chinese Association National President Steven Young. “Joan’s efforts in writing this book should be seen in the context of an increasing interest in incorporating New Zealand Chinese history as New Zealand mainstream history.”

In 2002 the New Zealand Government formally apologized to the Chinese community for the conditions faced by immigrants during what is termed the ‘Poll Tax’ period. ‘The Murder of Chow Yat’ is not only a thoroughly good read, but informative into a frequently suppressed period of NZ history.

The Murder of Chow Yat

by Joan Rosier-Jones

9780986453717  RRP $31.99