On 17 February, Parliament came alive with vibrant colours, music, and cultural performances as communities gathered to celebrate the Lunar New Year 2025, the Year of the Snake.
Hon. Mark Mitchell, the Minister for Ethnic Communities, hosted the event, showcasing New Zealand's rich multicultural heritage and the contributions of those who celebrate the Lunar New Year.
The evening started with a traditional Lion Dance by the Anglican Chinese Mission Lion Dance Troupe, setting a festive tone as Minister Mitchell and dignitaries entered the Banquet Hall.
Emcee Nancy Lu, a List Member of Parliament, warmly welcomed guests in Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Cambodian, acknowledging the diverse backgrounds of the celebrating communities.
In his opening speech, Minister Mitchell expressed his excitement about his new role in the Ethnic Communities portfolio. He recognised that safety and justice remain at the top of many Ethnic Communities' minds.
The Minister assured community and business leaders in attendance that he is working through his portfolios in Police, Emergency Management, Corrections, and Sport and Recreation to ensure all New Zealanders feel safe and supported. He acknowledged the valuable contributions of Kiwi Ethnic Communities in making New Zealand the unique country it is today.
The Minister highlighted the long and significant presence of Asian communities in New Zealand, enriching the social and economic fabric since the 19th century. He also emphasised the importance of cultural celebrations in fostering unity and understanding in New Zealand.
Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon joined the celebrations, recognising the contributions of Kiwi-Asian communities to New Zealand's socioeconomic landscape.
“Every Lunar New Year is a great time of hope and promise, and it’s time for us to get together with our families and friends to celebrate.
“It’s also a good time of the year to just stop, reflect and to say thank you, because the contribution from the Chinese and Southeast Asian communities here in New Zealand is profound.”, said Luxon.
Distinguished speakers, including Minister Counsellor Xie Yongjun from the Chinese Embassy, Malaysian High Commissioner Her Excellency Ms Mazita Marzuki, and New Zealand Chinese Association National President Mr Paul Chin, reflected on the significance of the Lunar New Year and the importance of cultural diversity and social harmony.
Many members of the diplomatic corps joined the celebration as well, including and His Excellency Dr Faisal Aziz Ahmed, the High Commissioner of Pakistan, Her Excellency Ms Kira Christianne Azucena, the Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines, His Excellency Mr William Tan, the High Commissioner of Singapore, His Excellency Mr Van Trung Nguyen, the Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.
The event featured a diverse lineup of cultural performances, including:
- A K-pop dance by Friends of Korea from Victoria University of Wellington
- A Chinese Ruan and Pipa duet by the New Zealand Music Trust
- A traditional Filipino Tinikling dance by the NZ Filifest Dance Group
Guests enjoyed a beautifully decorated venue supported by the Chinese Embassy. They received traditional red envelopes from the New Zealand Chinese Association.
Notably, members from various other communities also joined the evening, highlighting the importance of cross-community relationships and the shared joy of cultural celebrations
The evening concluded with networking, refreshments, and official photos, marking another successful Lunar New Year celebration at Parliament. The Ministry for Ethnic Communities thanks all performers, speakers, and attendees for making this a memorable occasion.
View photos that captured the spirit of the event on our Facebook album.
