On October 4, Counselor Tang Jun, responsible for educational, scientific, and cultural affairs at the Chinese Embassy, attended the 2025 Palmerston North Mid-Autumn Festival Gala. Nearly 300 people—including Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Massey University Professor Kerry Taylor, local Chinese students, members of the Chinese community, and guests from both China and New Zealand—gathered to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival together.
Counselor Tang extended festive greetings to the attendees, noting that the Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important traditional festivals of the Chinese nation. At this time of the full moon, the motherland is always thinking of its overseas students. She encouraged the students to cherish their valuable time in New Zealand, study diligently, strive for excellence, abide by local laws and university regulations, and act as young ambassadors of China–New Zealand friendship, while remaining mindful of their safety and well-being. Counselor Tang stressed that the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand will continue to work closely with New Zealand government, local councils and universities to promote people-to-people exchanges, support the sound and steady growth of bilateral relations, and provide strong assistance to ensure the safety, health, and success of Chinese students studying in New Zealand.
Mayor Grant Smith congratulated the hosting of the Mid-Autumn Festival Gala in Palmerston North, highlighting the city’s rich multicultural character. He reviewed over forty years of friendly exchanges between Palmerston North and China’s sister cities, announced that the city will hold a “Year of the Horse Celebration” during the Chinese Spring Festival next year, and noted that Chinese culture will be showcased at this year’s International Cultural Carnival. Mayor Smith expressed his gratitude to Chinese students for their contributions to promoting friendship and cooperation between China and New Zealand, and expressed his hope that they would regard Palmerston North as “a home away from home”.
Professor Kerry Taylor reflected on several “firsts” in the friendly educational exchanges between Massey University and China, and shared his extraordinary experiences during visits to China, where he was enriched by Chinese culture and deeply moved by the warmth and generosity of the Chinese people. He emphasized that the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family reunion. Massey University is honored to be part of the broader Chinese Family, conveying a message of unity and peace at the moment of the full moon, standing together against division and discord, and working jointly to build a better future.
The gala featured performances by local Chinese students and members of the Chinese community, including self-produced and performed pantomimes, double acts, and crosstalk. In addition, the audience enjoyed exquisite dance and musical medleys presented by the New Zealand Chinese Culture and Arts Association and the Eastern Express Jazz Band. The evening concluded with a full-cast rendition of “The Same Song”, earning continuous applause from the audience.
During her visit to Palmerston North, Counselor Tang also visited and greeted local members of the Chinese community and representatives of Chinese students.