Chinese New Year Celebrations Hit Wellington

14th February 2011

Wellington received a dose of double-happiness on the weekend with Chinese New Year celebrations welcoming in the Year of the Rabbit.

TSB Bank Arena served up some visual treats on Saturday as models and urban dancers showcased the work of some of New Zealand's top designers. Mayor Celia Wade-Brown introduced the New Clothes for the New Year Fashion and Dance Show, which featured the electrifying Emerge and award-winning ReQuest dance group from Auckland. The Company NZ, kitted out in adidas Streetwear, completed a trio of exciting hip-hop acts interspersed throughout the fashion items.

The fusion of dance and fashion made for a dynamic event. Chinese Opera costumes were contrasted against the works of Natalie Chan, Sophie Voon and Robyn Mathieson. When Harry Ran Away and Boh Runga Jewellery also figured in the line-up. The show incorporated a number of musical interludes, including vocal performances from Natalie Foy.

The Chinese New Year Festival, organised by the Asian Events Trust, is into its tenth year. The event featured a dazzling fireworks display on Saturday and a parade that drew large crowds along Wellington streets on Sunday afternoon. Programme Director Linda Lim said they were thrilled with the overwhelming turnout to all the Festival.

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