(Australian Associated Press)
Auckland’s Sky Tower will glow red and gold at night during celebrations of Chinese New Year, which are gearing up.
Chinese New Year has become one of the biggest celebrations of the year for SkyCity, the casino, hotel and convention centre operator in the centre of Auckland.
“The Chinese community plays a big part at SkyCity Auckland, with many of our staff and customers being of Chinese heritage,” general manager John Mortensen says.
Festivities began on Sunday but the biggest day is New Year’s Day on Monday when the painting of the eye ceremony, to encourage good luck to all for 2016 – the Year of the Monkey, is held.
The Chinese god of fortune will descend from Sky Tower and present lucky red envelopes.
There are also events being held around the country on Monday to mark Chinese New Year.
Dunedin is holding an annual parade, which leaves from the Octagon at 7.15pm, and fireworks are set off at 10pm. A Chinese cultural performance troupe from the Department of Culture of Yunnan Province is in Dunedin for the celebrations, which centre around the Dunedin Chinese Garden.
Wellington holds its celebrations next weekend.
