Beijing sponsors festivities in NZ

The Mayday Dance Group feature in China's 60th anniversary celebrations launch in Auckland. Photo / Martin Sykes

On a day described as one of "double happiness" by Chinese consul general Liao Juhua, Auckland's Civic Theatre was awash with festive cheer as thousands from the local mainland Chinese community were joined by the Prime Minister to launch the Moon Festival and China's 60th anniversary celebrations.

The festivities to mark 60 years of communist rule include a public rally, a Chinese film festival, concerts, exhibitions and television programmes.

Jim He, secretary-general of the United Chinese Associations of New Zealand, says events are being planned through until September next year.

China is planning a military parade, mass song and dance performances and fireworks on October 1, but the main event in Auckland will be a public rally in Manukau where revolutionary leader Chairman Mao Zedong's proclamation of the founding of communist China in 1949 will be replayed.

"For us Chinese, this is a very important milestone, and these events will ensure that Chinese in New Zealand can be part of our motherland's extended celebrations," said Mr He.

Mr He said the spirit of highlighting the improving relations with Taiwan had been adopted in New Zealand after Beijing said last week it would be doing the same there.

For the first time, local Taiwanese community leaders attended yesterday's celebrations and would also be invited to attend the October 1 rally, Mr He added.

The two sides split in 1949 after communist forces defeated the nationalists in a civil war, sending the latter into retreat in Taiwan.

But after decades of hostility, relations have improved under new China-friendly Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou.

"We have always seen Taiwan as part of China, and it is only reasonable to include our Taiwanese brothers in such an important event," said Mr He.

Prime Minister John Key said New Zealand was recovering from the recession, and the world had China to thank for helping it recover from the global economic crisis.

Mr Key said the free-trade agreement signed with Beijing last year had had a "huge impact" on New Zealand's economy. Exports to China had increased 61 per cent and imports from China 15 per cent.

Labour Party leader Phil Goff, who also spoke at the launch, said China must also be thanked for its contributions to the world's economy and to world peace and stability.

Speeches from both Mr Key and Mr Goff were translated into Mandarin by the two Chinese MPs from their respective parties, Ethnic Affairs Minister Pansy Wong and Labour list MP Raymond Huo.

* 60th birthday events

National Day Dinner at Coral Reef Restaurant, Sunday.

China National Day rally at Telstra Clear Event Centre, October 1.

Singing Birthday Card on SkyCity Asia and TV3, October 1.

China Film Festival at various cinemas, from October 15.

Beijing TV Week on Triangle TV, from October 15.

Art exhibition at the Red House Gallery, from October 24.

Songs from Hometown concert, November 22.