Chinese community focus on future

Whether it’s enjoying delicious dishes, toe-tapping tunes or finding future study opportunities, Chinese residents are inviting their fellow Marlburians to a day of cultural festivities.

The Marlborough Chinese Community is delighted to bring New Zealand Chinese Language Week celebrations back to Blenheim on Saturday, September 6 for the fourth consecutive year at Redwoodtown’s St Christopher’s Anglican Church, tying in with the region’s Welcoming Week from September 5–14.

“This year’s theme, Harmony, highlights the importance of living peacefully and respectfully together, and finding beauty in diversity and differences”, says Xuemei Zhang, President of the Marlborough Chinese Community.

“Saturday’s celebrations will showcase how language, arts, and traditions can serve as bridges between cultures, creating shared understanding and connection in the local community, which we share with everyone involved in Welcoming Week as a key goal.”

Events on the day range from live, cultural performances, presentations from the Chinese University Scholarship Programme and workshops on calligraphy, tea ceremonies and traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnostic Demonstrations, alongside plenty of classic Chinese cuisine available.

Xuemei says the range of workshops “bring a unique dimension to the Blenheim celebrations”.

“We’re glad to offer both practical insight into traditional practices and exciting opportunities for future learning - and no cultural celebration would be complete without food.”

Event manager Enny Leong says this year’s programme is shaping up “beautifully” with a specific focus on encouraging young community members to be involved in their own passions. “The performers have been practising weekly for months, and it’s been incredible to see the kids gain confidence, pride in their identity, and a deeper connection to their language and culture as we’re giving youth the chance to step up as MCs as big parts of the event.

“Olivia Yanuar and Jade Tian have taken the initiative to teach the younger kids a dance they previously performed, adding their own new touches in a wonderful example of passing traditions down through generations and inspiring pride in heritage. “This year’s theme of Harmony reminds us that by learning about each other’s languages and traditions, Marlborough lives peacefully together and celebrate the beauty in our differences.”

The MCC would like to thank Rata Foundation, Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Christchurch, Marlborough District Council, REAP Marlborough, Marlborough Multicultural Centre, $3 dollar or more Shop and Pak’n Save whose contributions have made the celebrations a reality.