Celebrating Lunar New Year 2024 in Auckland: Honouring Tradition and Community
Xīn nián hǎo, in Auckland the Lunar New Year celebrations 10-25 February have been a spectacular display of cultural richness and community spirit.
We have proudly celebrated a community that has been in New Zealand since the 19th Century. Across the city, from the bustling streets of the CBD to the suburbs, the Year of the Dragon has been greeted with great enthusiasm and joy.
The dragon, a symbol of power, strength and good luck in Chinese culture, has taken centre stage in the festivities, with colourful dragon dances weaving through the streets, which are believed to bring prosperity and good fortune for the coming year.
The city came alive with multiple free, family friendly events across the region ending with a four-day showstopper – BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival at Manukau Sports Bowl. Over 500 handmade lanterns were on display including a brand-new lantern commissioned to commemorate the Year of the Dragon.
This was the first year the iconic festival was delivered with the support of naming rights partner, BNZ. The partnership is a fantastic initiative that allows us to bring to life the world-class cultural experiences that make Auckland so special, while reducing the reliance on ratepayer funding.
The Lunar New Year festivities have brought Aucklanders of all ages together, where they have had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the celebrations, the culture and the heritage. With nearly 70% of the Chinese population in New Zealand living in Auckland, it is fantastic that the Lunar New Year has been marked and showcased.
Delivering major cultural events (BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival, Diwali and Pasifika) is referenced in the Council’s latest consultation paper. I encourage all readers to make a submission on Council’s 10-year budget 2024-2034 – also known as the Long-Term Plan.
This is open for consultation from 28 February – 28 March. There are some big strategic changes suggested including a proposal by the Mayor to lease Auckland’s Port operations and invest the potential multi-billion dollar proceeds into a council-owned, diversified regional wealth fund.
There are also some choices around the spend to get Auckland moving, strengthening Auckland’s resilience to flooding and making do with what we have while spending where it is needed most. Decisions on cultural, community services and water infrastructure are included too.
In short, we want Aucklanders to have their say if they want council to do less and spend less or do more and spend more. These choices will have a direct impact on what rates increases you will pay and therefore service levels provided.
Please tell us what you think. The associated consultation documents and ways to share your views can be found on the council website akhaveyoursay.nz (Desley Simpson)
Chair – Auckland Domain Committee
www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Pages
Published: March 2024
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