Flag flown to celebrate Chinese New Year
The Chinese flag now flies outside the Horowhenua District Council building in Levin to mark Chinese New Year 2014 – The Year of the Horse.
Celebrated worldwide on Friday 31 January, Chinese New Year is a traditional Chinese holiday observed on the first day of the Chinese calendar, with celebrations promoting good luck and fortune, happiness, wealth and longevity.
Horowhenua Mayor Brendan Duffy says the District has been home to many Chinese families for decades and that the
contribution the local Chinese community has made, and continues to make, deserves to be acknowledged.
Mayor Duffy says one prime example is their contribution to Horowhenua's market gardening industry, well-regarded as one
of New Zealand's larger producers of green vegetables.
"Chinese New Year is the one occasion in the year that we can symbolically recognise the Chinese community, living in
and helping this district for a very long time," he said.
"They quietly go about their business and are an integral sector of our community and contribute commercially,
economically and socially.
Mayor Duffy says flying the Chinese flag for Chinese New Year is a simple and appreciative token of recognition.
ENDS