Olympian expectations: New Zealand China and the Media
Within days, the Beijing Olympics will kick off with a massive and spectacular opening ceremony unlike any that have
come before.
To mark this historic event, come and hear a discussion about what role the Games might have in either improving or
worsening perceptions of China around the world and here in New Zealand. We’ll also look at related issues such as the
China-NZ Free Trade Agreement, human rights and media freedom.
On August 8, the opening day of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Victoria University’s Asian Studies Institute, in
conjunction with the Asia New Zealand Foundation, is holding a roundtable discussion on China, New Zealand and the
Media.
Speakers include Fran O'Sullivan of the New Zealand Herald, Dr Douglas van Belle of Victoria University’s Media Studies
Programme and political scientist Dr Jian Yang of the University of Auckland. The session will be moderated by Dr
Stephen Epstein, director of Victoria University’s Asian Studies Institute.
In this forum, we hope to analyse New Zealand media’s handle on New Zealand's evolving relationship with China, as well
as portrayals of the many significant events related to China this year such as the protests in Tibet, the Olympic torch
relay around the world, the Sichuan earthquake, and the run-up to Olympics themselves.
Please join us for what we hope will be a lively session.
Forum: New Zealand, China and the Media
Date: Friday, 8 August 2008
Time: 2.30pm to 4 pm
Venue: Lecture Theatre 3, Rutherford House, Pipitea Campus, 23 Lambton Quay.
ENDS