Cheongsam

This silk cheongsam (long dress) was made in Hong Kong in the late 1930s for Chak Man Kong. It is lined in silk, and padded and quilted for warmth.

Dramatic history
Chak Man Kong brought the garment with her to New Zealand in 1941. She and her young daughter Mayme Chanwai were fleeing the impending occupation of Hong Kong by the Japanese (which took place on 25 December 1941). They were able to come to New Zealand because Chak Man Kong's husband and father-in-law were residents of New Zealand.

Chinese refugees
From 1938, the Chinese villages and homes of many Chinese in New Zealand were under threat of occupation by the Japanese. In February 1939, the New Zealand government offered 2-year permits to the wives and children (aged up to 16) of Chinese men who had permanent resident status in New Zealand. Because the Sino-Japanese War (between China and Japan) had escalated into a total world war, these women and children could not return to China, and their permits were extended. After the war, they were allowed to stay in New Zealand permanently because of deteriorating conditions in China.

Altogether 240 women and 244 children came to New Zealand under the scheme. This humanitarian act by the government arguably provided the foundation for New Zealand's first refugee resettlement programme.

Special garment
This cheongsam was worn for special occasions in New Zealand, such as weddings, banquets, and fund-raising events during World War II.

The cheongsam has a long history as fashionable Chinese dress for women. The basic style has survived for many years – high neck, closed collar, buttoning on the side with a loose chest and fitting waist – but has been adapted constantly to suit changing tastes.