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Wellingtonians celebrate Lunar New Year with food, friends and family

Friday, 12 February 2021

On Lunar New Year, Michelle Zhao visited KC Cafe where she bought roast duck, barbecue pork, roast chicken and char siu for the dinner she is hosting.
On Lunar New Year, Michelle Zhao visited KC Cafe where she bought roast duck, barbecue pork, roast chicken and char siu for the dinner she is hosting.

On Lunar New Year eve, Michelle Zhao​ made pāua dumplings, joking that she was mixing Chinese and New Zealand culture.

And on Friday morning, Zhao welcomed in the year of the ox with a bowl full of them.

While other parts of the world remain in lockdown due to coronavirus, Wellingtonians are celebrating the lunar new year – a festival in Asia that begins with the first new moon the lunar calendar – at restaurants and outside. This weekend, more than 50,000 people are expected to watch fireworks, eat market food and enjoy a street parade at the Chinese New Year Festival.

Her bowl of dumplings is only the beginning as Zhao spent her New Year's day preparing food and buying meats such as roast duck, barbecue pork, roast chicken and char siu at popular restaurant, KC Cafe.

**READ MORE:

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* Imagining Wellington as Chinatown through a Zodiac lens

Staff at KC Cafe were run off their feet on Lunar New Year eve, as people bought roast duck, barbecue pork, roast chicken and char siu (Chinese BBQ pork) to share with friends and family as they gathered for Lunar New Year.
Staff at KC Cafe were run off their feet on Lunar New Year eve, as people bought roast duck, barbecue pork, roast chicken and char siu (Chinese BBQ pork) to share with friends and family as they gathered for Lunar New Year.

* Newly formed NZ Chinese Association Marlborough prepares for New Year celebration

**

Zhao was also making a steamed fish – a popular dish as eating fish at New Year was a symbol of abundance.

A dragon troupe made their way down Courtenay Place during Wellington
A dragon troupe made their way down Courtenay Place during Wellington's Chinese New Year Festival in 2019. (File photo)

A Chinese saying helps to explain the association. “Nian nian you yu”, was a way of wishing abundance and surplus every year.

The word “yu” sounds the same as the word for fish, and so fish is eaten symbolically.

KC Cafe owner Michael Chan said on Lunar New Year eve, staff were busy in the kitchen preparing meat dishes and desserts.

“It's all about family and friends gathering together,” he said.

For Zhao, the festival was about passing down Chinese culture to the next generation and connecting with her loved ones.

In Vietnam, people visited Tu Hieu temple marking the first day of Lunar New Year in 2020.
In Vietnam, people visited Tu Hieu temple marking the first day of Lunar New Year in 2020.

When she first came to New Zealand, nearly 23 years ago, Zhao celebrated the New Year at a restaurant.

As the years have gone by, she's noticed more stores, restaurants and organisations are celebrating the event.

“I think people are so understanding and like to share happiness. I’m very thankful for that,” Zhao said.

“People from other countries can experience the event and celebrate with us.”

Zhao previously ran a tourism business but with Covid-19, her plans have changed.

The street parade, planned for Sunday, starts at Tory St and makes its way along the waterfront. (File photo)
The street parade, planned for Sunday, starts at Tory St and makes its way along the waterfront. (File photo)

This year, she's going back to school to study nursing.

“I’m looking forward to the New Year. I feel so appreciative.”

‘TOUCHING’ TO SEE CELEBRATIONS

Sue Vo’s​ family is in Vietnam so when she finishes work on Friday afternoon, she will give them a call and wish them a happy lunar New Year.

In Wellington, Vo celebrates the day with her friends but since they are all working, they will gather on Sunday for food and games.

The Marlborough branch of the NZ Chinese Association, which formed last year, is preparing to host its first Chinese New Year.

“We’ll have mung bean rice cakes, talk and play card games,” Vo said.

The 23-year-old has been celebrating lunar New Year since she was born. When she moved to Wellington, she was surprised the lunar New Year was widely celebrated.

“It's so public and there are events in different places. It’s quite touching and warm.”

Wellington's Chinese New Year Festival takes place from February 13 to February 14.

EVENTS

Festival fireworks – February 13

Festival Day – February 14