Horowhenua welcomes in Year of the Pig

Published on February 08, 2019

Horowhenua is welcoming in the Chinese Year of the Pig with a cultural celebration in Levin and Foxton on Saturday 16 February.

The Chinese New Year festivities kick off at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō at 11am, with a vibrant high-energy display of traditional Chinese lion dancing and dragon dancing by the Wellington Chinese Sports and Cultural Centre. Chinese story-time for children starts at 12pm, with a presentation of tai chi and tai chi with swords to follow.

Throughout the Levin celebrations, those with a taste for Chinese cuisine will be able to try making and tasting dumplings under the guidance of the New Zealand Chinese Association.

From 1pm, the lion and dragon dancing will move to Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom, where people will be able to make their own Chinese lanterns.

Horowhenua District Council Civic & Community Events Coordinator, Melissa Steedman, said children participating in the Aquatics Horowhenua Let’s Move Together triathlon being held on the same day would be able to come and go between the two events. 

“We don’t want anyone to miss out, because Chinese New Year is always a popular event. People love the colour and energy of the lion and dragon dancing, and last year quite a few members of the audience even got the chance to join the performers as part of the dragon. Everyone has a great time,” she said.

Entry is free.