Faces of the Festival Supphawut Supanun, Wellington Thai Community
The Wellington Thai Community is dedicated to supporting Thai people in the region while sharing Thai culture, values and traditions with the wider public through education, performance and community events. Through their work, the group plays an important role in enriching Wellington’s cultural landscape and strengthening cross-cultural understanding.
As part of our Faces of the Festival series, we meet Supphawut Supanun, President of the Wellington Thai Community, whose leadership brings Thai culture and community spirit to the heart of the Wellington Lunar New Year Festival. Alongside traditional performances and much-loved Thai food stalls, the Thai community will showcase Muay Thai kickboxing — a powerful expression of discipline, respect and cultural pride. Presented as part of the Frank Kitts Park Horsing Around programme, audiences are invited not only to watch, but to take part, experiencing the energy and values behind this iconic Thai tradition.
How long have you been involved in the Wellington Lunar New Year Festival and what ethnic community/culture do you associate yourself with.
We are the Wellington’s Thai Community and proud to be part of the Lunar New Year celebrations second year in a row by contributing a cultural performance collaboration that helps promote and celebrate the diversity of Asian communities in Aotearoa.
For the 2026 Festival, what is your role, and what traditions or elements from your culture are you most excited to share with Wellingtonians this year?
As the Thai community, we are excited to share a range of traditional Thai cultural elements. Our performances, presented by Thai children and adults, celebrate our culture and heritage, with Thai boxing proudly featured as a core element of our contribution to Lunar New Year celebrations.
Lunar New Year is celebrated across many cultures. How does your own cultural heritage shape the way you participate in the festival programme?
Lunar New Year is less about a single fixed tradition and more about shared values that resonate deeply with our own heritage.
Thai heritage shapes our participation by encouraging inclusivity, reflection, and a deep respect for the cultural exchange that Lunar New Year represents. We hope to bring togetherness with an emphasis on harmony and good fortune. Ultimately, Lunar New Year becomes not just a celebration of one culture, but a moment where Thai values of respect, community, and joyful renewal come together with wider Asian traditions, creating a meaningful and shared festive experience.
What has been a standout or memorable moment for you from past festivals, and why does it continue to inspire your involvement?
One of the most memorable moments for us from past festivals is seeing families from different generations coming together to celebrate. In Thai culture, festivals are deeply rooted in gratitude, respect, and connection — especially the respect we show to our elders and the joy of sharing food and traditions as a family.
During Lunar New Year celebrations, that same spirit is very present. Watching our elders pass down stories, blessings, and customs to younger generations reminds me of how culture stays alive through people. It’s inspiring because it reflects a core Thai value: samakee (unity) and nam jai (generosity of spirit).
