<p class="ql-block">On February 21, 2026, we will gather at the Te Manawa Community Library to celebrate and welcome the Chinese New Year.</p> <p class="ql-block">Outside the east gate of the library, the Te Manawa community drum team beat out joyful drumbeats to welcome the guests, kicking off the celebration.</p> <p class="ql-block">The celebration was hosted by Mr. Xiao Bin, President of the Cultural Club. </p><p class="ql-block">Ms. Karen Walters, Programmes Team Lead of the Te Manawa Community, and Mr. <span style="font-size:18px;">Tim Vermeulen</span>, Programmes Coordinator, attended and spoke at the event. </p><p class="ql-block">Mr. Tim provided active support and enthusiastic service for the event. Ms. Karen not only provided refreshments and coffee for the celebration but also delivered a warm speech, sincerely wishing everyone a Happy New Year.</p> <p class="ql-block">During the celebration, 92-year-old Mr. Wang Buyao presented his photographic works to Ms. Karen, the community Programmes Team Lead, and Mr. Xiao Bin, the club President.</p> <p class="ql-block">The celebration was divided into three venues. The first was a calligraphy event held in the lobby on the first floor of the library.</p> <p class="ql-block">The second event venue featured an exhibition of works by Mr. Han Zhirun, an origami art enthusiast. With his skillful hands and artistic mind, Mr. Han folded breathtaking works of art from small pieces of paper.</p> <p class="ql-block">The third event venue, a highlight of the celebration—a cultural performance—was held in the multi-functional hall on the third floor of the library. Community Chinese groups presented a wonderful program.</p> <p class="ql-block">The Te Manawa Community Chinese Cultural Club's small band performed songs such as "Gong Xi Fa Cai" and "I am Chinese," winning rounds of enthusiastic applause from the audience and bringing the social event to a new climax.</p> <p class="ql-block">Two beautiful women performed a mime skit called "Imitation." Their wonderful expressions and numerous jokes elicited bursts of laughter and continuous applause from the audience.</p> <p class="ql-block">The Te Manawa community dance troupe performed their classic dances with skillful steps and graceful movements. The lively music brought passion and aesthetic enjoyment.</p> <p class="ql-block">The Meizhile Art Troupe presented the audience with a short chorus: "Life is so beautiful." The celebration concluded with the song.</p>