On 20 September 2026, the New Zealand Wushu Development Trust was honoured to be the Wushu performance team at the National Day flag-raising ceremony hosted by the Auckland Chinese Community Centre in Māngere.
Our athletes performed for a gathering that included H.E. Wang Xiaolong, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to New Zealand; Prime Minister Christopher Luxon; members of Parliament; Auckland local government representatives; and Chinese community leaders. The hall was filled with warmth and pride.
From the youngest on the floor to the full team demonstration, our performers shared Wushu with the guests of honour. After the performance, Prime Minister Luxon told our team: “You guys did a great job.”
For our athletes, that moment was a reminder of what Wushu can do: it is a living culture, a discipline, and a bridge between communities in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Ambassador Wang spoke of China's development since the founding of the People's Republic, and of the healthy, stable course of China–New Zealand relations. He encouraged overseas Chinese communities to keep sharing stories of friendship and people-to-people exchange.
Prime Minister Luxon also paid tribute to China's achievements — including in poverty alleviation, infrastructure and new energy vehicles — and thanked Chinese New Zealanders for their contribution to this country's economic, social and cultural life. He said New Zealand wants to keep turning the potential of the bilateral relationship into practical outcomes.
The Trust is grateful to the Auckland Chinese Community Centre for the invitation, and to every athlete who represented us with discipline and respect. We were proud to bring Wushu to this National Day celebration.
