19 February 2026
Whānau Āwhina Plunket staff were proud to attend the Chinese New Year Festival and Market Day at the Auckland Showgrounds for the very first time on Saturday, 14 February.
Our stall became a vibrant hub for connection, particularly for the many multi-generational families navigating the transition into the Year of the Horse. In Chinese culture, the horse symbolises energy, independence, and a drive for success, traits that resonated deeply as we spoke with parents and grandparents about the bright futures of their little ones.
The heart of our presence at the festival was the opportunity to engage with the village that raises a child. We met many dedicated grandparents who play a crucial role in childcare, including one particularly moving encounter with a grandmother visiting from overseas.
She shared that she had been providing essential support to her daughter, but with her visa nearing expiry, she was cherishing these final few days celebrating the New Year with her grandchildren. It was a poignant reminder of the vital, often bittersweet, role that extended family plays in the lives of the families we serve.
The day was filled with "small world" moments that highlighted the strength of our community ties. In a wonderful twist of fate, the very same grandmother’s eldest grandchild was recognised by one of our Plunket nurses staffing the stall, who had previously supported the family.
These face-to-face connections reinforce why being present at cultural events is so vital; it allows us to bridge gaps, honour family stories, and ensure that every New Zealander, regardless of their background, feels supported by the Plunket whānau.
Also called Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival, Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture and dates back more than 4,000 years. The festival marks the first new moon of the lunar calendar and lasts for 15 days. In 2026, this is from 17 February to 3 March.
Image: Plunket Nurses Dandan Wang, Yolanda Yu and Maggie Zeng, with Principal Advisor, Priority Populations Vivian Cheung, and Community Services Manager Andrew Lin.
