Media, diaspora, and political engagement: Exploring the role of ethnic Chinese media in shaping Chinese New Zealanders' political participation in Aotearoa

Abstract

This study investigates the intersection of Chinese-language media, 2020 New Zealand general election, and the lived experiences of the Chinese diaspora within New Zealand's dual bicultural and multicultural frameworks. As New Zealand's demographic composition grows more diverse, Chinese-language media have become vital in supporting cultural continuity and promoting political involvement within the Chinese community. This research emphasizes the distinctive role of the ethnic media—especially platforms like WeChat—in influencing the political behaviour, identity formation, and community dynamics of Chinese New Zealanders. Through the mixed research methods of the 2020 New Zealand general election, the study explores how the ethnic media shape voting patterns and political preferences, bridging critical language and access gaps for a community often sidelined within mainstream political discourse.

Moreover, the study addresses the specific challenges faced by Chinese-language media, including financial constraints and censorship, and examines the broader impacts of information accessibility and media quality on democratic participation. The findings deepen the understanding of the Chinese diaspora's shifting role within New Zealand’s political landscape, reflecting wider global trends in diaspora media and minority political engagement. By positioning the experiences of Chinese New Zealanders within New Zealand's bicultural commitments and its multicultural realities, this research offers nuanced insights into the integration of the ethnic media in supporting a society's democratic infrastructure.