Hastings District Libraries is set to host the New Zealand Chinese Language Festival 2025 on Wednesday, 8 October at the Hastings War Memorial Library.
The event has been timed to coincide with the Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the most important cultural celebrations in China. The date was chosen in collaboration with the local Chinese community, many of whose families have had deep and enduring ties to Aotearoa New Zealand for generations.
Hastings shares a long-standing sister city relationship with Guilin, China – a connection that continues to foster cultural exchange, friendship, and mutual understanding. The festival is a celebration of this relationship and the vibrant contributions of Chinese communities to the region.
Festival highlights will include:
- Lantern decorating
- Papercutting
- Calligraphy
- Jianzi (Chinese hacky sack)
- Mah-jong demonstration
- Mooncake tasting
- No-bake mooncake making workshop (registration required).
The mini festival is a wonderful way to bring the community together and celebrate the richness of Chinese culture, said Hastings District Council group manager community wellbeing and services, Rebekah Dinwoodie.
It’s hands-on, family-friendly, and a great chance to learn something new,” she said.
“This type of event encapsulates the vision of Hastings district as an inclusive welcoming community where everyone belongs, and diversity is celebrated.”
The event is free and open to all ages. For more information and to register for the mooncake workshop, visit www.hastingslibraries.co.nz.
