With thousands of years of history and traditions, Asian cultures are rich in breathtaking stories, art, music, performances, and delicious cuisine.

The local Tauranga branch of the New Zealand China Friendship Society is extending invitations to other Asian communities to join them in showcasing their unique cultures in the upcoming 2024 Tauranga Asian Food Show and Lunar New Year Festival.

Tauranga’s Historic Village will host the festival on February 24 amd 25, 2024, allowing locals and visitors to immerse themselves in Chinese, Korean, Thai and Japanese Asian cultures as the broader community comes together in a family-friendly event.

The 2024 Tauranga Asian Food Show and Lunar New Year Festival will be held at Tauranga Historic Village on February 24 & 25. Photo: Supplied.

With a food show component and Lunar New Year celebration, there will be something for all ages to enjoy at this premier cultural event.

The festival will have calligraphy, traditional clothing showcases, kid’s games, and endless Asian cuisines, from savoury dumplings to Thai rice noodles.

The weekend's highlight will be the Lunar New Year celebration, where organisers and attendees will send out wishes of prosperity and good fortune for all.

Tauranga China Friendship Society President Tina Zhang says the festival will serve as a cultural bridge, allowing Tauranga residents to immerse themselves into the rich and diverse tapestry of Asian cultures.

The 2024 Tauranga Asian Food Show and Lunar New Year Festival will be held at Tauranga Historic Village on February 24 & 25. Photo: Supplied.

“The festival fosters cross-cultural understanding, appreciation, and harmony, making our community more inclusive and globally aware”, says Tina.

“We are looking forward to our community members coming together to celebrate diversity and enjoy the festivities, share stories and create new memories.”

Over 30 ethnic groups will share aspects of their culture with the thousands from Tauranga and beyond expected to attend.

This allows all festival goers to be exposed to a world of traditions, art, and cuisines they may not encounter otherwise. This in turn will encourage more people to learn about new cultures and broadening their understanding.

2024 Tauranga Asian Food Show and Lunar New Year Festival will be held at Tauranga Historic Village on February 24 & 25. Photo: Supplied.

The local Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund granted $10,000 towards the festival.

The fund is a partnership between local funders Acorn Foundation, BayTrust, TECT, Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council with the core purpose of supporting community-led events and that encourages participation for free or at low-cost.

BayTrust Chief Executive, Alastair Rhodes says this event is made possible through the collaborative efforts of volunteers, businesses and local organisations.

“It strengthens the sense of community involvement and pride as well as showcases that Tauranga offers unique cultural celebration experiences for locals and visitors to attend," says Alastair.

Event Details: 2024 Tauranga Asian Food Show and Lunar New Year Festival, February 24 and 25 2024 at Tauranga Historic Village. Cold Coin Donation Entry.

More information on the Tauranga NZ Chinese Friendship Society Facebook Page. or contact Tina Zhang, China Friendship Society President on tauranga@nzcfs.com.