Chinese float embellishes Hastings Blossom Parade in New Zealand

Spring has been welcomed in style in New Zealand on Saturday, with the Hastings Blossom Parade, beautiful floats, happy people and lots of sunshine.

Tens of thousands of people lined the streets to see the magnificent floats. Kevin Watkins, Hastings district councillor and director of The Amazing China-Hastings Year of Tourism 2019 (ACHYOT), said the atmosphere was amazing.

He had built the ACHYOT float, sponsored by the China Culture Centre. "The float celebrates this year, The Amazing China-Hastings Year of Tourism, when we are strengthening our already strong ties with our friends in China.

"We are looking forward to the next stage in our year of celebrations, when we are exchanging gifts between China and every region in China to raise awareness of both our countries, and to encourage tourism and trade."

The parade, held in the first week of September to celebrate the new season, has threaded its way through the city's streets every year since the first one in 1950.

The entries are all put together by organizations keen to be a part of the welcoming of the new season, from pre-schools and sports groups, to cultural teams and businesses.

This year was no exception with 48 entries. The 2019 theme was "folk tales from around the world."