The Chinese headstones at Karori Cemetery hold far more than carved names - they preserve hidden stories of migration, identity, and resilience. This talk uncovers the “secrets beneath the stone,” revealing how these weathered inscriptions illuminate the journeys of early Chinese settlers who crossed oceans to build new lives in Aotearoa. Through close reading of traditional characters, clan references, and cultural symbols, we can trace the footprints of individuals and families whose histories have long remained in the shadows.

Professor Bo Zhiyue is a leading authority on Chinese elite politics and a designated nominator for the world's most prestigious Tang Prize in Sinology, often regarded as the Nobel-level award in China Studies. He is the Founder and President of the Bo Zhiyue China Institute. He has taught at major universities around the world, including Peking University, the University of Chicago, American University, the National University of Singapore, and Victoria University…