6 October 2004
New Lynn celebrates the moon
Participants of the second Waitakere Moon Festival were treated to the sights and sounds of Asia with activities
spanning two days and more than 15 separate performances.
The festival, held again at the New Lynn Community Centre, attracted an estimated 6000 people on the opening Friday
night.
Leaders of the Asian community, elected members and the general public were host to a tai-chi sword demonstration and
traditional Maori welcome, followed by Mayor Bob Harvey declaring the festival open and eye-dotting the Lion.
Lion dancing, Cantonese opera, and sword dancing all featured on the main stage, while ballroom dancing and mahjong in
the recreational auditorium led to a variety of Asian and Western food out in the courtyard.
Waitakere Libraries had over 70 children in the New Lynn Library with free moon cakes, storytelling and face painting.
A new addition to the festival, Saturday’s Asian Generation X and Enter the Dragon panels were well attended. Kenneth
Leong and Hannah Tsu appeared on the Breakfast show on the morning of the festival (24 September) to discuss the issues
covered in these workshops.
ENDS