April 03, 2013
Taniwha ready to welcome dragon
Māori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples is welcoming a symbolic powhiri for Chinese to Aotearoa.
Ngāti Whātua is hosting the Taniwha meets Dragon Festival at Orakei on April 27.
The traditional welcome will be followed by a day-long celebration including Māori and Chinese entertainment, food and a kite workshop.
Dr Sharples says while the tide of immigration from China in recent years has caused concerns in some parts of the population, he sees it as positive for Māori.
“We come from Asia, we’ve got connections there and so far it has opened many, many doors for our people to trade, to build the economy and the health and wealth of our people here in New Zealand. I’m happy that we’re having the Taniwha and the Dragon Festival where mana whenua will welcome the Chinese people and look forward to a good relationship,” Pita Sharples says.
Meanwhile, New Zealand and Chinese leaders will gather in Beijing next month for the first New Zealand China Partnership Forum.
Among the business and political leaders accompanying Prime Minister John Key to the forum will be Ngāti Kahungunu Chair Ngahiwi Tomoana.
Copyright © 2013, Uma Broadcasting Ltd