Chinese cultural performances adorn New Zealand Race Relations Day Multicultural Festival

Source: Xinhua| 2021-04-10 20:48:17|Editor: huaxia

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese cultural performances adorned the Race Relations Day Multicultural Festival in Auckland on Saturday night.

The 5th-edition festival was hosted by the Federation of the Chinese Association of New Zealand, which is constantly promoting a multicultural New Zealand.

Steven Wong, director of the Federation of the Chinese Association of New Zealand, said in the opening speech that New Zealand is a multicultural society with New Zealand Chinese being part of it.

"We celebrate the Race Relations Day to promote friendship between New Zealand Chinese community and the mainstream society, as well as to strengthen ties between China and New Zealand," he said.

Ruan Ping, Chinese consul general in Auckland, said, "The cultural activities held on Race Relations Day provide opportunities for peoples from all ethnic groups to come together, share, celebrate and enjoy the richness of different cultural experiences."

"It further reminds us of learning from and sharing with each other by contributing each one's individual strength," said Ruan.

Guests of the day included members of parliament from the governing Labor Party, opposition National Party, Auckland and Hamilton city councilors, local board members and community leaders.

New Zealand Minister for Social Development and Employment Carmel Sepuloni led the Labor Party MPs by addressing the importance of inclusiveness and social cohesion.

"Two years ago on March 15, the Christchurch terrorist attack made us to reflect on the importance of continuing to value each other and to respect multiculturalism and each other's culture," she said.

A terrorist attacked two Muslim mosques and killed 50 people in Christchurch, New Zealand, on March 15, 2019.

The minister also mentioned the importance of Chinese culture in New Zealand as the Chinese community constitutes 5 percent of the New Zealand population.

Opposition National Party leader Judith Collins talked about the contributions the New Zealand Chinese have made to the multicultural New Zealand.

Auckland Deputy Mayor Bill Cashmore also paid tribute to the New Zealand Chinese community's hard working and resilience especially shown during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Performers from Chinese, Indian, Korean, Romanian and African background showcased their ethnic dances, music and instrument at the festival.

The Race Relations Day is celebrated in New Zealand annually on March 21, which also marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Due to the COVID-19 community cases and subsequent lockdowns, many community celebrations were postponed until April. Enditem

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