Happy Lunar New Year, everyone!

Once again, the Upper Hutt Multicultural Council had the privilege of hosting a fantastic Lunar New Year festival. What started as a 'Chinese New Year' celebration, thanks to our close ties with the local Chinese community, has evolved over time. As our migrant communities grew, we realised that many more cultures also mark the new year based on the Lunar calendar. The Vietnamese celebrate 'Tết', the Koreans observe 'Seollal', the Japanese celebrate 'Shōgatsu', the Mongolian community calls it 'Tsagaan', and many Chinese communities refer to it as 'Chūn Jié'. Safe to say, we've learnt a lot along the way!

This time, we really wanted to highlight that this is a truly multicultural event – one that reflects the many different communities who celebrate this special time of year.

We kicked things off with a warm welcome from Matua Mike from Orongomai Marae, followed by an incredible performance from Upper Hutt School’s Kapa Haka group. This was a real highlight, honouring tangata whenua as tauiwi and expressing our gratitude for being welcomed onto their land.

Our wonderful dignitaries also took the stage, sharing inspiring and heartfelt speeches that set the tone for the celebration. Their words reminded us of the importance of community, unity, and understanding. It was a moment to reflect on how far we've come as a multicultural society and to look forward to the future with hope and optimism. Their support and encouragement were truly appreciated by everyone in attendance, adding even more warmth to an already special event. In particular, we are touched by the presence of Esther Fung being able to attend and receive a certificate of appreciation for all her hard work - a true taonga to Aotearoa. Richard Foy, thank you for sharing the beautiful stories of Lunar, or what was regarded to you as "Chinese New Year", growing up in Aotearoa and the beauty of Multiculturalism within your own whanau - telling us about your German wife, and therefore German and Chinese daughter. Pieri Munro, thank you for sharing your wonderful jokes and wisdom - your stories shine brighter than the sun! Thank you Mr. Mukesh Ghiya from the Indian High Commission for also providing some sweet words on the Lunar New Year and attending. Last but not least, thank you to Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy for always being around to provide some insightful words to emphasise how important multiculturalism is. 

Then came the performances, and they were nothing short of spectacular. First, the Vietnamese women took the stage with a beautiful, graceful dance that captured the essence of their culture. The Khmer Royal Ballet followed, and the audience was captivated by the elegance and artistry of Cambodia. Next up were a variety of performances from different Chinese communities, and the Korean group brought some incredible energy with their lively dances and music. There was something for everyone, from fast and energetic performances to slower, more reflective ones, and even a beautiful choir performance.

What stood out most to us this year was how the Lunar New Year festival perfectly encapsulates the spirit of togetherness. It's a reminder that while we all come from different backgrounds and traditions, we share in the joy of new beginnings and the hope for a prosperous year ahead. This celebration is a symbol of unity in diversity, showing that our differences are not just something to tolerate, but something to be celebrated. In a world that can sometimes feel divided, moments like this give us a chance to come together, learn from one another, and appreciate the beauty in our shared experiences.

It was such a joy to see so many different cultures coming together to celebrate the Lunar New Year, and it truly showed the richness and diversity of our community. Here's to a year filled with unity, joy, and prosperity!