On 28 January 2023, the New Zealand China Friendship Society Wellington Branch hosted its annual Chinese New Year Banquet at Aries Restaurant in Wellington to celebrate the Chinese New Year of the Rabbit.
More than 160 people, including branch members, their families, and friends attended the banquet. Dr Wang Xiaolong, China Ambassador to New Zealand; Nicola Willis, Deputy Leader of the National Party; Tory Whanau, Wellington Mayor; John McKinnon, former NZ Ambassador and President of the New Zealand China Council; Hiromi Morris, Emeritus President of Global Cities New Zealand, and Ray Chung, Wellington Chinese City Councilor were in attendance.
National President and Wellington Branch President, Chris Lipscombe delivered a welcome speech and wished everyone a happy Chinese New Year and prosperous year of the Rabbit. Ambassador Wang Xiaolong talked about the continuing strong relationship between New Zealand and China and thanked New Zealand Friendship Society for its many years’ contribution to the relationship. MP Nicola Willis and Mayor Tory Whanau both noted that Chinese New Year is an important festival in Wellington and acknowledged the contribution Chinese people have made to our multicultural society.
The Wellington Branch thanks those who attended the banquet, Aries Restaurant, and the Chinese Culture Centre in Wellington. In particular, we would like to extend our gratitude to the China Embassy for its generous support.
The Wellington Branch also wishes its members as well as their families and friends a Happy Chinese New Year of the Rabbit!
