Wellington gallops into the Year of the Fire Horse
Wellington has galloped into the Year of the Fire Horse in spectacular style, with Lunar New Year celebrations officially underway across the capital.
Festivities began on Lunar New Year’s Day at Te Papa last night, with the world premiere screening of HORSES, a dance film by internationally acclaimed film maker and choreographer, Daniel Belton and the team from Good Company Arts.
Hosted by the Asian Events Trust (AET), organisers of lunar new year celebrations in Wellington for the past 25 plus years, the event brought together key stakeholders, sponsors, supporters and community leaders — all of whom play a vital role in delivering one of the city’s most vibrant cultural festivals. The event marked the beginning of two weeks of celebrations spanning Wellington’s waterfront and beyond.
Speaking on behalf of the Mayor of Wellington, Councillor Ben McNulty acknowledged the importance of the festival to the city’s cultural calendar.
“Lunar New Year is a time of renewal, optimism and community. It’s wonderful to see Wellington come together to celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse with such energy and creativity.
“Events like this reflect the strength and diversity of our Asian communities and the important contribution they make to the cultural life of our capital,” says Councillor McNulty.
The festival now builds towards the ever-popular Festival Fireworks Display on Saturday 21 February on Wellington’s waterfront. Before the skies light up at 9.30pm, the city will come alive with activations across Courtenay Place, Te Papa and Frank Kitts Park. Taiko drummers and dragon dancers will weave through the CBD and waterfront. For the first time, Te Papa will extend its opening hours on fireworks night, offering visitors the opportunity to explore its exhibitions before stepping outside to enjoy prime waterfront views of the display.
AET’s much-anticipated Festival Day on Sunday 22 February sees Wellington’s waterfront transformed into a vibrant showcase of Southeast Asian culture and Lunar New Year traditions. Live performances, authentic cuisine, craft stalls and family-friendly participation activities invite the wider community to experience the richness and diversity of the cultures that mark Lunar New Year, right in the heart of the capital.
Asian Events Trust Programme Director Linda Lim says, “We are incredibly proud of how our entire community have come together to deliver the most colourful, inclusive and diverse festival we’ve presented in all the years that we have been organising new year celebrations for the city.”
“From our sponsors and supporters to our performers, volunteers and cultural groups — this programme is powered by people who care deeply about sharing their heritage with Wellington.”
She says the strength of cross-community support affirms AET’s decision to evolve the festival’s identity.
“Seeing the way Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Filipino, Thai, and many other communities have embraced the programme truly vindicates our decision to rebrand as the Lunar New Year Festival.
“It reflects the shared traditions that unite us, ensuring everyone who celebrates the lunar new year, feels seen, included and represented.”
Linda adds the Year of the Fire Horse is bold, energetic and forward-moving, reflecting the spirit across the city.
“I’m challenging Wellingtonians to get out, saddle up and enjoy the ride. Come down to the waterfront, experience something new, and celebrate with us,” says Linda.
With fireworks set to light up the sky, and Festival Day ready to transform the waterfront into a vibrant hub of culture and cuisine, Wellington’s Lunar New Year celebrations are now in full gallop.
For the full programme and event details, visit: www.lunarnewyearfestival.co.nz.
For more information, or interview, contact Linda Lim – phone 027 432 4269 or email linda@asianeventstrust.co.nz