The Third Space with Naisi Chen

In this episode of The 3rd Space, Naisi speaks with Nirupa George about an exceptional career journey shaped by courage, clarity, and self-worth. From the Green Party to becoming Chief of Staff in Auckland’s former Mayor’s Office in her early 30s, then moving into senior roles at SkyCity and now the fisheries sector, Nirupa has navigated politics, public service, and corporate leadership on her own terms.She reflects on learning to trust her judgement, recognise her value, and step into spaces where women of colour are still rarely expected. Nirupa also shares a deeply personal perspective on motherhood, ethnicity, and culture, and how she hopes her daughter will grow up connected to her heritage and confident in who she is. It is an honest conversation about ambition, identity, and what we choose to carry forward.CreditsHost: Naisi ChenProducer and editor: Xian ZhangGuest: Nirupa GeorgeMusic: KaishandaoSocial media and tech:Lynn Feng

In this episode, we dive deeply into a conversation with May Tien, exploring her unique multicultural upbringing and career in communications. From her early years in Taiwan and Guam to her professional life in New Zealand, May shares poignant reflections on navigating diverse cultures, the significance of storytelling, and the role of food in connecting people. She also discusses her experiences working in New Zealand's public and private sectors, highlighting her current role at Moana, an iwi-owned seafood company. This episode offers rich insights into identity, belonging, and the power of authenticity in both personal and professional spheres.00:08 Mai's Unique Upbringing02:04 Life in Guam05:23 Cultural Identity and Career Choices09:02 Experiences in Taiwan and Beijing12:03 Navigating Cultural Complexities15:04 Challenges in New Zealand's Monoculture20:22 Finding Your Strategy21:26 Transition to Moana23:24 Moana's Unique Structure and Values27:54 Crisis Management and Communication31:19 Reflections on Language and Identity35:15 Hopes for the Next GenerationEpisode CreditsHost: Naisi ChenProducer / Editing: Xian ZhangMusic: KaishandaoAdvisor: Sam CollinTech: Lynn Feng

In this inspiring conversation, we sit down with Eric Ngan, one of Aotearoa’s most influential cultural event producers, to unpack what it means to build legacy through culture. Drawing on decades of experience producing some of New Zealand’s largest cultural festivals — from the Auckland Lantern Festival to multi-arts city activations — Eric shares his philosophy on culture as a force for identity, community and sustained impact.

SummaryIn this episode, Naisi sits down with Mingchun Wu, whose career spans teaching, policy, and governance across multiple government agencies and regulatory boards.Mingchun reflects on how she moved from the classroom into the policy world, what it was like entering Wellington’s public service as one of the few Asians at the time, and the realities of working inside New Zealand’s policy and governance system.She also shares a quieter but powerful thread running through her journey — the influence of her father, whose life of service shaped her approach to work, leadership, and how she shows up for others.This EpisodeCreditsHost: Naisi ChenProducer & Editing: Xian ZhangMusic: KaishandaoAdvisor: Sam Collin

In this episode of The 3rd Space with Naisi Chen, we sit down with Simon Bridges, former leader of New Zealand’s National Party and author of National Identity: Confessions of an Outsider. This conversation goes beyond politics to interrogate what it means to belong in Aotearoa, personally and culturally. Bridges uses his own story to challenge stereotypes, navigate the complexities of whakapapa and identity, and reflect on how national character is shaped by class, culture, language, and lived experience. From confronting perceptions of Māoriness to unpacking what it feels like to be seen as both insider and outsider, this episode explores identity as a layered landscape rather than a fixed label, a real-world “third space” where culture, history and self intersect. Episode CreditsHost: Naisi ChenProducer / Editing: Xian ZhangMusic: Kaishandao

In this episode, we sit down with Franky Wang — Head of Asia Business Activation at Bank of New Zealand (BNZ), a China-born New Zealand business leader shaping Asian growth strategy across the motu. Franky leads a nationwide team supporting Asian clients and steers work spanning deal origination, policy review, and stakeholder engagement.He shares how cultural intelligence, Asian leadership, and international business strategy inform his approach to connecting Aotearoa and Asia. Frankie reflects on overcoming cultural barriers, navigating the bamboo ceiling, and the mindset shifts that carried him from a Shanghai-born migrant to a strategic leader in New Zealand’s banking sector.We also explore his contributions in governance, community mentorship, cultural festival promotion, and his vision for empowering future Asian leaders. This kōrero is rich with insight on cross-cultural leadership, identity, and building resilient pathways between business and community. If you want to know him more, please connect with him on his LinkedIn page: Franky Wang.Episode CreditsHost: Naisi Chen Producer / Editing: Xian Zhang Music: Kaishandao

In this bonus episode of The Third Space, we sit down with Kai, a newly elected member of the Howick Local Board, to talk about his journey into local politics. Recorded while he was still on the campaign trail, we explore what drives him — from growing up between New Zealand and China to studying in the U.S. and finding his place in community service.We talk about identity, belonging, and breaking the “bamboo ceiling,” as well as what authentic representation really means in Aotearoa New Zealand. It’s an open, honest conversation about stepping up, staying grounded, and why diverse voices matter in shaping our shared future.Episode CreditsHost: Naisi Chen Producer / Editing: Xian ZhangEpisode CreditsHost: Naisi Chen Producer / Editing: Xian Zhang Music: KaishandaoEpisode CreditsHost: Naisi Chen Producer / Editing: Xian Zhang Music: Kaishandao

In this episode of The Third Space, we sit down with Venice — a musician whose new album Moon Landing marks a major moment in her creative journey. We talk about individuality, belonging, and how she weaves together Western and Eastern influences to tell her story through music.Venice opens up about the inspiration behind her songs, including her powerful track Home Country, and shares her experiences confronting anti-Asian racism. We explore what authenticity means to her as an artist, how she’s grown creatively, and her hopes for stronger Asian representation in the music industry.Episode CreditsHost: Naisi Chen Producer / Editing: Xian Zhang Music: KaishandaoTechnician: Lynn Music: Kaishandao Advisor: Sam Collin

In this episode of The Third Space, we sit down with Bobby Shen — architect and former Mt Roskill local board member — to talk about what it means to serve the community while navigating life as a Kiwi Asian. From speaking Cantonese on the playground to shaping Auckland’s urban landscape, Bobby shares how learning te reo Māori and embracing tikanga have deepened his understanding of identity and belonging.We talk about the surprising connections between Māori values like mana and whanaungatanga and Chinese cultural roots, and how those shared principles can guide the way we lead and live. It’s a conversation about building bridges, leading with authenticity, and finding a place where our cultures meet in Aotearoa.

Welcome to the very first episode! This week we welcome Andrew Mei to the couch— now a Red Influencer with over 50K followers — shares his journey of navigating identity, ambition, and family expectations as an Asian New Zealander. He reflects on how diversity shaped his career in law, strategy consulting and corporate. A conversation about walking into the unknown, how to survive corporate and finding your own light in the tunnel.

We present to you: The 3rd Space with Naisi Chen. This is a podcast made by Kiwi Asians, for all people creating their 3rd culture to support our personal and professional journeys in Aotearoa.It’s for anyone learning to embrace both sides of their cultural identity, wanting to connect with community, and seeking to feel empowered to influence the world around them.Every week, we talk with inspiring guests who’ve been there, doing that: sharing honest career stories, workplace reflections, and experiences from across our communities and society.A special thanks to Kaishandao-Kristen Ng for the music, and Sam Collins for the guidance.