The historic Taniwha & Dragon pōwhiri and festival held at Auckland’s Ōrākei Marae in April marked a relationship thousands of years in the making.

Celebrating and formalising the bonds shared by Māori and Chinese peoples: it was a pōwhiri like no other. The blast of the pūkāea, greeted by the beat of Chinese drums. A giant dancing dragon seeking the pearl of wisdom, met by Māori warriors who were led in haka by the Minister of Māori Affairs. The karanga that rang out across Ōrākei acknowledged the whakapapa of hundreds of Chinese manuhiri: some of whom had flown in from Beijing to attend. Intermittent showers failed to dampen a day that culminated in a spectacular celebration of Māori and Chinese culture, food and entertainment. From Māori and Chinese kite making and flying, Te Waka Huia kapa haka, traditional Chinese and Māori martial arts: the day was unique and beautiful.

“Yes we did see the future of New Zealand that morning, with the Dragon dancing so joyously in front of the marae. So symbolic and majestic. Te Puni Kōkiri’s support is admirable and appreciated.” Dr Manying Ip, Head of Asian Studies , Auckland University.

“What’s important about Chinese heritage is that it’s not too different from Māori heritage. So we know that as soon as the wairua and then the manawa connect – when you have that combination of feeling, heart and intelligence joined together; that’s what today is, a continual evolution of those relationships.” Michelle Hippolite, Te Puni Kōkiri chief executive.

“It’s been a wonderful success, the day’s come off beautifully well and even leading up to it the organisation and meetings between Māori and Chinese, I think even in those exchanges I certainly learned a lot. The day was really beautiful in the way we were greeted, the dragon and the warriors together.” Arthur Loo, Auckland Chinese Community Chair.

“It’s a very wonderful occasion for all of us to celebrate and get together, kanohi ki te kanohi, face to face: you can’t beat a relationship that has that...Before you even start doing business you must invite...and have dinner and socialise together and then the business can start.” Gisborne Mayor Meng Foon.

“Good relationships make our whole community stronger. As individuals, Māori and Chinese people have always had contacts – now is the time to take things to a higher level, culture to culture.” Ngāti Whātua chair Grant Hawke.

“From our ancestors who left Asia millennia ago to settle the vast Pacific Ocean, to our Chinese friends and family who have worked, settled and raised families across Aotearoa over the past two centuries: our eternal ties to Asia can be found in our language, cultures and peoples. Our aim is to revitalise these relationships at the face-to-face community level.” Dr Pita R Sharples, Minister of Māori Affairs.

“As tangata whenua, it is Ngāti Whātua’s role and responsibility to make all cultures in Auckland feel welcome. Māori and Chinese people share the same ancestors, but our cultures have diverged over many generations. We have lived side by side in Aotearoa for many years, and now we want to bring our relationships up to date, face to face and personal, and to celebrate our similarities and differences.” Grant Hawke.

“The friendship between Māori and Chinese people spearheaded the friendship between our two countries many years ago. Dr Pita Sharples observed the signing of a deal between Shanghai Pengxin and Miraka when he was in China recently. I wish to say thank you, our Māori cousins for acknowledging our ancestors and our people.” Mr Niu Qingbao, Consul General of the Peoples’ Republic of China.

“Today is a first step towards having better understanding between Māori and Chinese. A lot of Chinese people, especially recent migrants, have never really met a lot of Māori and only know Māori through the media: this is the first time they have experienced the culture [and] know who Māori people and perhaps make some new friends today.” Bevan Chuang, Ethnic People’s Advisory Panel member.