- By Hope Milo, UoA Communications Student
A dynamic show of unity and performances marked the seventh annual Race Relations Day Multicultural Festival.
Hosted by the Federation of the New Zealand Chinese Association, the event opened with drums and dances of the Pacific performed by the Anuanua Dance Troupe.
Various distinguished guests then took to the stage to speak on the importance of celebrating Auckland’s multiculturalism, at the Imperial Palace in Panmure on September 6.
National MP Paul Goldsmith was among the MPs, Auckland councillors, local board members, and community figures in attendance.
“As Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage, I’m aware that the arts have the ability to bring different cultures together,” he said in his speech.
“The diversity of expression and creativity in this city is what makes it such a beautiful place to live.”
Deputy Mayor of Auckland, Desley Simpson, emphasised the importance of harmony, one of the festival’s key themes.
“Auckland is one of the most diverse cities in the world. To have a city like this is to embrace the three main values of tonight: family, togetherness and unity.”
Guests enjoyed a range of cultural displays from around the world, while a variety of delicious Chinese cuisine was served for dinner.
The performances included traditional dances from India, Colombia, Arabia, and Scotland.
Jason Wu, a Chinese dancer, also treated audiences to an entertaining mask-changing show, or Bian Lian.
“It was fun and very exciting to make everyone laugh,” Wu said.
“I think it’s important to show every country’s culture. As someone of Chinese heritage, it’s my responsibility to share my culture so the people of New Zealand can experience it too.”
The festivities concluded after two lucky draws where winners were gifted mooncakes and 2025 calendars.
The continued success of the annual Race Relations Day Multicultural Festival serves as a reminder to build a more harmonious and unified community, as we embrace the rich cultural diversity that makes Auckland so unique, organisers said.
