Chinese Consul General in Auckland Chen Shijie Attends Balloons over Waikato Festival Opening Ceremony

On 21 March, Consul General Chen Shijie was invited to attend the opening ceremony of the Balloons Over Waikato Festival in Hamilton. During the event, Consul General Chen engaged in exchanges with Hamilton Mayor Tim Macindoe and Steve Gow, Chairperson of the festival's organizer. He congratulated the successful hosting of the festival and spoke highly of their outstanding organizational capabilities. The two sides also exchanged views on promoting people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and New Zealand at the subnational level.

Since its inception in 1999, the Balloons Over Waikato has been held for over 20 consecutive years and stands as one of New Zealand's most influential festivals. This year's festival features a symphonic Nightglow, a walk-through hot air balloon experience, spectacular song and dance performances. During the eight-day festival, nearly 20 balloons, including the "Nihao, China!" balloon, will take to the skies together, attracting more than 100,000 residents and tourists.