Important:
The following information is related to a past Kimchi & Marmite Conference, and is only kept here as a reference. If you're looking for information on the latest conference, click here.

Kimchi & Marmite 2008

Finding Kowi

"What does it mean to be a Kiwi- Korean?"

Friday 18 July - Saturday 19 July 2008

University of Auckland Business School

12 Grafton Road, Auckland CBD

Kowiana is proud to present its first annual conference, Kimchi & Marmite with the theme of "What does it mean to be a Kiwi-Korean?"

In order to celebrate our multicultural identity we first need to establish what that identity is. Currently there is a lack of understanding of how our two cultures interrelate and how this creates a new combined cultural identity for Kowis. Kowiana is therefore dedicating our first conference to examining and discussing what it means to be a Kowi.

There is a real need for young people to have the opportunity to address issues of multiculturalism which they face daily in New Zealand society today. Through the conference we hope to connect this group of Kowis and their friends, getting them together to help them find their place, totalk about the things that matter to them and connect them with others who share their experiences.

The conference will include influential speakers and interactive seminars to widen their perspective about what it means to live as a Kowi in New Zealand society today.
Read on below, but we also have a brochure.

Provisional topics

Session 1: Who are Kowis?

Through spending a significant part of his or her developmental years outside their parents' culture, many Kowis build relationships to all of the cultures with which they interact, without ever fully owning any one culture. They therefore often face an identity crisis - they do not know where they belong. This session will involve a panel discussion that will provide academic insight and personal experience along with interactive workshops to help establish what it means to be a Kowi, and to help delegates discover the aspects of Kowi cultural identity.

Session 2A: Bridging the Gap - Inter-generational issues.

We recognise that the intergenerational issues that are faced by all cultures are exacerbated by the cultural differences between Kowis and their parents and grandparents. In this session, an expert panel will examine challenges faced by Kowis and their parents resulting from intergenerational gaps that are intensified cultural differences between Kowis and their parents. There will be three separate workshops on different intergenerational issues, and delegates will be able to choose which of three they wish to attend.

Session 2B: Bridging the Gap - Intercultural relationships.

The unique cultural identity that Kowis have, along with their experience of many different cultures and various relationships can make it difficult for Kowis to have in-depth communication with those who have not had similar experiences. This unique "Kowi culture" means that Kowis often also experience a culture shock when they are fully immersed in Korean culture.

As Kowis are not "single cultured" people, it is hard for others who have not had a similar experience to accept them for who they are. Kowis know bits and pieces of many cultures, but most of them have not fully experienced any one culture, making them feel incomplete or left out by those who have lived exclusively in one culture.

This session will examine where Kowis fit in today's multicultural society through a panel discussion featuring experts with professional and practical experience in dealing with the emotional issues and challenges faced by Kowis trying to find a home in society. This session will also include three separate workshops on issues raised at sessions 2A, 2B and 3 and delegates will be able to choose which of three they wish to attend.

Session 3: Kowis can fly!

The experiences and abilities that Kowis have provide them with valuable tools to succeed in global multicultural society. This session will feature inspirational speakers whose personal experiences will provide encouragement and inspiration to help delegates fly to success in their chosen fields.