Kimchi & Marmite 2009

Kowis in Action: When Kowis Take Flight

Saturday 11 July, 9am – 4pm
The University of Auckland Business School
12 Grafton Rd, Auckland CBD

Following on the success of Kowiana’s inaugural conference, Kimchi & Marmite 2008 “What does it mean to be a Kowi (Korean-Kiwi?)” where the Kowi identity was established, Kowiana is excited and proud to present its second conference “Kowis in Action: When Kowis Take Flight”.

Kowiana has taken the iconic Kiwi bird and added a Kowi twist. A Kowi is a person with a unique Korean and New Zealand fused-identity. This fusion of the Korean and Kiwi gives us rich resources to draw from; we believe that this provides us with the gift of flight. Through the conference, we hope to empower young Kowis to take action; to take flight, and to take one further step in celebrating and promoting our unique Kowi culture.

The conference will include inspirational speakers and interactive workshops to facilitate discussions about how we can embrace the Kowi identity and employ this to take action in becoming a successful Kowi in our respective fields.

Please read below, or see our programme brochure.

Topics and speakers

Seminar Sessions:

Kowi in Action 1: High Flying Kowi (keynote speaker)
A high-flying Kowi “in action” will share his personal story and illustrate how his Kowi identity influences and drives his work to empower fellow Kowis and younger generations.
Joon Yi – Electorate Agent to Hon. Murray McCully MP

Kowi in Action 2: Lessons Learned from the Kowi Minority
This session will introduce the Kowi minority, a New Zealander who has experience working with the Korean community here in New Zealand. He will share his experiences and observations of his newfound “Kowi” identity.
Paul Hamilton – former intern, Ottogi NZ Ltd

Kowi in Action 3: Lessons Learned from a First-Generation Kowi
In this session, delegates will hear the inspirational testimony of a successful first-generation Kowi and receive lessons in inter-generational and inter-cultural awareness.
Michael Park – businessman / Chairman, New Zealand Centre for Culture and Education

Kowi Experience Survey Report
Kowiana has been involved in a collaborative project with the Diversity Trust and the Migrant Family Resilience Project of The University of Auckland. The aim of this Project is to develop resources that will help young Kowis (Korean-Kiwis) develop the skills and qualities they need to become successful Kowis. In the beginning of the year, Kowiana members along with others participated in a survey which was used to develop a Korean Youth Empowerment Programme. We will hear about the survey findings and how they are being implemented.
Dr Hans Everts – Chairman, Diversity Trust

Workshop Sessions

Workshop 1: Meet a Kowi
In this session, delegates will be split into five workshop groups and will get a chance to network, share views and experiences about the Kowi identity and what it means to “take flight”. It will provide a real opportunity to meet and connect with fellow Kowis and their friends.

Workshop 2: Flight School
The experiences and abilities of Kowis provide valuable tools to succeed in a global, multicultural society. This session will feature speakers whose diverse professional and personal experiences will encourage delegates fly to success in their chosen fields. Delegates will choose to attend one of the five workshops and explore what makes a Kowi “in action” take flight and what makes a Kowi landlocked.

Sarah Lee – Author / Member of the Korean Garden Trust
Min Lee – Ethnic Liaison Officer, North Shore Police
Qurie Lee – Teacher, Rangitoto College
Raymond Kim – House Surgeon, Middlemore Hospital
Laura Nam – Hairdresser, I.D Hair Salon

Workshop 3: Anthology Project
Kowiana encourages Kowis to voice their individual experience and make their presence known. In this session, Kowis will be given the opportunity to produce an individual or collective artistic expression of being a Kowi, reflecting how their Kowi identity endows them the gift of flight.

N.B Topics and speakers are subject to change