New Chinese headstones at the Alexandra cemetery could become part of a proposed Otago Chinese heritage trail, Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan says.
Mr Cadogan said he had a strong interest in Chinese heritage and welcoming Chinese visitors to the region, and would like to see an Otago-wide Chinese heritage trail formed.
The idea was in its infancy, but he had support for the concept from Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult, Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan and Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull.
The heritage trail could include things such as restored Chinese settlements and Chinese graves in Otago cemeteries, Mr Cadogan said.
He praised the project restoring Chinese headstones at the Alexandra cemetery.
Memories that ``brought some shame'' at how Chinese were treated by some in the goldfields era remained, but projects like the headstone restoration helped communities to ``look forward'', he said.
