KEY POINTS:
People celebrating Chinese New Year in Auckland are in for a bonus this year.
On top of the spread of festivities lasting over a month, they will also get a public holiday to help them usher in the Year of the Ox.
Chinese New Year falls on the same day as Auckland Anniversary, and some members of Auckland's 110,000-strong Chinese population say the public holiday on January 26 will be "a bonus" to help them to practise traditions, such as staying up as late as possible on Chinese New Year's Eve.
"We believe the God of Prosperity will spread gold and good luck in the early hours of New Year's Day, but you could miss out if you were asleep or if your door was shut," said Mrs Maggie Chan, originally from Hong Kong.
"With a public holiday, I am so thrilled that we can do so without having to suffer a sleepy day at the office the next day."
Chinese festivals are determined by the lunar calendar, and Chinese New Year has been celebrated for more than 3000 years - longer than Christmas.
In China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia, it is the year's main major public holiday, and celebrations traditionally last 15 days.
In Malaysia, engineer Richard Kong spent a large part of Chinese New Year visiting family and friends - but since moving here in 2003, the festive season is a time for him to attend these fairs and festivals.
"When you don't have extended family members here, it make sense to join in the community celebrations to get a feel of the festive spirit," said Mr Kong.
"In fact, I think the celebrations in Auckland are pretty unique, and very different to back home, where it is more a family affair."
WHY THE YEAR OF THE OX?
The Chinese zodiac is symbolised by 12 animals, and it is believed that a person takes on the characteristics of the animal whose year he or she was born in. The Ox year starts on Monday, January 26.
Other Ox years are: 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949, 1937, 1925, 1913.
Those born in the Year of the Ox are patient, speak little, are excellent organisers and inspire confidence in others. The home of the Ox is his castle, and he also enjoys spending much time in planting garden and trees.
Ox people are able, ethical and aware, and co-workers can depend on their eyes for details. They work best when alone, and are mentally and physically alert.
Easy going, they can also be stubborn and hate to fail or be opposed. They are most compatible with Snake, Rooster and Rat people.
Famous Ox people: Margaret Thatcher, Princess Diana, Catherine Freeman, Jane Fonda and George Clooney.
(source: Asia NZ Foundation)
CHINESE NEW YEAR EVENTS
Jan 17: Year of the Ox New Year Festival, Auckland Showgrounds, Greenlane Road West, 9.30am to 3.30pm. Free, parking available. Dragon and lion dance at 10am, arts, crafts, food and concerts featuring unique acts by performers from Hebei, China.
Jan 24: Lunar New Year Festival, TelstraClear Pacific Event Centre, Manukau City, 3pm to 11pm. Free. Multicultural performances, arts, crafts and food.
Jan 31: Chinese and Korean New Year Festival, Northcote Shopping Centre. Free. Lion dance, cultural performances, food.
Feb 6-8: Lantern Festival, Albert Park, 5pm to 10.30pm. Free.
Feb 14: Chinese New Year Lucky Dip Racing Carnival, Ellerslie Racecourse.
