Funded by the Ministry for Ethnic Communities' Community Development Fund, the documentary is a collaboration between Asian Family Services and six outstanding individuals of 1.5, 2nd or third generation of ethnically diverse individuals weaving through from journey of identity and sense of belonging in New Zealand. The documentary aims to provide insight and tips on overcoming life challenges and adversity growing up as an ethnic person in New Zealand and brings hope to young people who might struggle with their identity. We hope to normalise but not minimise their experience and know that they are not alone and they can be proud of who they are, their heritage, background and the languages that they speak.

The demographic of New Zealand is changing with the increasing ethnic diverse population. According to the 2018 census, it is estimated that those aged between 0 – 14 account for 153,400 and those 15 – 39, 366,500, were identified as Asian. Ethnic diverse youths who grow up in New Zealand draw references from their family and school environment. Migrant parents from either Asia or MELAA often bring their collective approach into their home environment, which is contradictory to the school where an individual approach is preferred. These unique experiences can be heightened when they lack acknowledgment from their parents or teachers, and young people are left to negotiate the two different cultures without reference, which could lead to isolation. The latest can be a strength when one manages to find their feet in walking both worlds. However, it can lead to marginalisation when the two worlds collide.

Asian Family Services hopes the video conveys the changing ethnically diverse population and the narrative that represents our current and future generation who hold multiple worldviews and are true Kiwi/New Zealanders. The ethnically diverse people who grow up in New Zealand walk in the two worlds and possess multiple languages skills, cultural worldviews, and knowledge that can be an asset of New Zealand. The talents included in the videos are ethnically diverse individuals who make a significant contribution to New Zealand.

Asian Family Services collaborated with a New Zealand based filmmaker Mr Joonseob Yi, the director and videographer for the Korean Suicide Prevention Resource, Korean Youth Mental Health Resource and Reachout Campaign (Mandarin, English, Korean, Cantonese and Hindi languages). He is currently an overseas correspondent for the Korean news channel YTN and KBS of New Zealand, and he is also a documentary filmmaker. Joonseob's two short documentaries, Luthier and Our First Immigrants, were selected in the Official Selection and Screening for various international and local film festivals, including the 2018 DOC Edge International Film Festival and the 2019 Wellington Korean Film Festival. Before coming to New Zealand, he worked as the Deputy Chief Reporter and National News Editor for the Segye Times, a newspaper in Seoul.

To view the full video clips, from below: