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About Us

What is Kowiana?

Formed in 2007, Kowiana is a non-profit organisation primarily composed of young Kiwi adults of Korean descent ("Kowi") who share a vision of celebrating and promoting awareness of multicultural identity in New Zealand society. Even our name is a celebration of such an identity, a fusion of the words "Korean" and "Kiwiana".

Although focussing on the unique identity of Kowis, Kowiana is committed to addressing issues of multiculturalism which face both this group and New Zealand as a whole.

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Mission Statement

Kowiana aims to reach and connect young Kowis and their friends by providing education, support, and opportunities to address issues of multiculturalism, and to celebrate dual cultural identities by establishing pride and understanding in this unique multicultural identity.


Organisation Objectives

  • Celebrate: diversity and multicultural identity
  • Promote awareness: amongst Korean and New Zealand communities
  • Provide education and support:
    • Learning about "ourselves" as Kowis
    • Sharing this unique culture with the wider New Zealand society
  • Address key issues: In relation to multicultural identity, such as:
    • Identity crisis (internal)
    • Acceptance and belonging to a culture (external)
    • Self ostracisation or denial of heritage
    • General gap between parents and Kowis
  • Address key issues: In relation to intercultural relationships within New Zealand, such as:
    • Intercultural racism
    • Intercultural relationships
    • Cultural gap between Kowis and New Zealand society

Achieving Our Goals

  • Annual conferences: beginning with 'Kimchi & Marmite' Conference 2008.
  • Website as a central meeting point for Kowis:
    • Discussion forums;
    • "Sunbae - Hoobae" mentoring (ie. peer mentoring)
    • Future group projects (e.g. anthology of written work, Korean cultural festivals; and
    • Contact point for preparation of and debriefing after conferences
  • Community service projects to encourage interaction with wider New Zealand society and for the good of that society including, but not limited to voluntary work in rest homes, hospitals and RMS Refugee Settlement.

Desired Outcomes

  • Connect young Kowis throughout New Zealand.
  • Establish long lasting relationships and networks of support and learning among Kowis.
  • Establish understanding and pride in multicultural identity among Kowis.
  • Establish understanding and positive relationships between Kowis and the wider New Zealand society.
  • Benefit community through Korean community integration efforts (such as community projects).