Maori, Chinese celebrate bonds in New Zealand

Maori and Chinese people in New Zealand came together to recognize ancestral bonds during a day of cultural celebration in Auckland on Saturday, the first event of its kind.

The Taniwha and Dragon Festival kicked off at Auckland's Orakei Marae (Maori meeting place) on Saturday morning and celebrations included Chinese dragon drummers and a battle between Maori Warriors and a giant Dancing Dragon.

Speakers at the festival recounted the ancestral and traditional ties between Maori and Chinese peoples, their historical relationships and hopes for a shared future.

The festival also featured traditional and contemporary Maori and Chinese entertainment, culture, craft and food stalls.

At the heart of the Taniwha and Dragon Festival was a workshop where traditional Maori and Chinese kites were made and flown.

Spectators were also treated to performances by Kiwi band Herbs and pop star Miss Janice Chong.

"Orakei and Chinese families have lived and worked alongside one another for generations, it's pretty special for us to be able to celebrate together," said Ngoti Whotua Chairperson Grant Hawke earlier.

"Maori and Chinese people share the same ancestors, but our cultures have diverged over many generations," said Hawke.

"We have lived side by side in Aotearoa for many years, and now we want to bring our relationships up to date, face to face and personal, and to celebrate our similarities and differences," he added.

"Good relationships make our whole community stronger. As individuals, Maori and Chinese people have always had contacts -- now is the time to take things to a higher level, culture to culture," he added.

"Chinese and Maori peoples are coming together to celebrate a shared history and a shared future. We encourage all Chinese people to come along, especially to attend the cultural welcome," said Arthur Loo, Auckland Chinese Community chairman.

Loo said the Chinese community in Auckland is honored to be the first to receive this kind of welcome onto Orakei Marae.

"We are very excited to be welcomed into the heart of the Maori community of Auckland. This is a unique opportunity to meet the tribal people who first invited other cultures to settle here, and to learn about our city," he added.

"Internationally, New Zealand is building bridges with China. Mutual understanding between our cultures here at home can be the solid foundation for developing business, educational, cultural and diplomatic links at the government level," said Loo.

"This festival is a chance to share our traditional food, dance, music and kite-flying. We hope this will renew the long and happy relationship between our communities in Auckland," said Loo.