There were two major celebrations of the Chinese New Year Festival in Nelson. The first was hosted by the local members of the Nelson Marlborough Chinese Association, to which Nelson Branch
NZCFS members were invited. As usual with NMCA events this was a well-attended and very entertaining evening enjoyed by all adults and children. NZCFS and representatives of the Nelson
Multicultural Society were welcomed and were treated to a Dragon Dance and an excellent meal, as well as varied items including traditional erhu, song, and dance.
The second was a banquet, timed to follow the NZCFS Nelson Branch AGM. This event was also well-attended and proved to be a very convivial evening. As well as members and friends the event was
supported by Nelson Mayor Nick Smith and Nelson MP Rachel Boyack, as well as representatives of the Multicultural Society and the Chinese Association. Mayor Nick acknowledged the attending Life Members and warmly welcomed the newly arrived Mandarin Language Assistants Liu Jiaxuan and Liu Xuehui. The venue was the Eastern Cuisine Restaurant in Richmond which will also be the venue for the National Conference banquet in May.
