Encounter

Hear Our Story

Encounter is a narrative-driven audio walk through Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, crafted by a team of young and emerging Chinese New Zealander creatives who long to see their culture and experiences shared alongside other New Zealand stories.

Encounter combines powerful storytelling with authentic soundscapes, immersing audiences in a journey to rediscover Wellington through the eyes of those who shaped its history and continue to influence its future.

Encounter is a timely measure to reflect the present struggle our world faces, a record-high displacement due to regional conflicts. It resonates with the Maori Whakatauki of “Ka mua, Ka muri” meaning “walking backwards into the future”, to instigate how we learn from history to gain insights necessary to address the challenges of the present and the future. 

Meet Our Team

The creative force behind Encounter comprises an all-Chinese New Zealander creative team, whose shared heritage informs the authenticity and emotional depth of the stories told. By bringing their cultural experiences to the forefront, the team provides a new lens through which to understand Wellington’s history and urban landscape.

Cadence Chung - Writer

A poet, composer, and singer currently studying at the New Zealand School of Music. Her nationally-bestselling chapbook anomalia was released in 2022 with Tender Press, and her anthology of young artists, Mythos, was released in 2024 with Wai-te-ata Press. Her latest theatre work, Encounter is crafted with Chung’s signature poetic language that takes the audience on a journey to rediscover the city.

Sharon Wang-Creative Producer

A theatre practitioner based in Pōneke Wellington and the creative force behind Dog Year Productions. As a first-generation Chinese immigrant raising two children in Pōneke, Encounter marks her journey into exploring the diverse history of Aotearoa through innovative and unconventional methods, shaping the narrative of the place her children will call home.

Jamie Yee- Director

3rd generation Chinese New Zealander, born and raised in Ōtautahi but now living in Te-Whanganui-a-Tara. Jamie is incredibly excited to be a part of the Encounter team, and has relished the opportunity to share stories that are close to his heart as a Chinese New Zealander with others.

Kassandra Wang - Sound Designer and Audio Engineer

A Te Whanganui-a-Tara-based composer and singer exploring interactivity, accessibility, and story-telling through music. Kassandra creates soundscapes that transport participants to a world of narrative, blending the clatter of mahjong tiles and rhythms of Te Whanganui-a-Tara 's past and present.

How Can You Help:

1. Donate to Bring Encounter to Aotearoa: This is an essential part of our history that deserves to be heard. Your donation will support:

• Contributions to our collaborators

• Engagement with local Chinese communities

• Research into Chinese history in Aotearoa

• Production expenses like transportation, printing, and kai

2. Spread the Word: Share our Boosted campaign with your community and help us reach more people.

3. Join the Walk: For details on the season and ticketing, visit our Facebook page!