Xu Erwen (L,1st) , Chinese Consul General in Auckland, and Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand, attend a celebration of the Chinese Lunar Near Year in Auckland, New Zealand, Feb. 2, 2019. Some 20,000 people watched shows including line and dragon dances and other entertainment programs. [Photo/Ecns.cn]

In a video posted on social media on Monday, New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said "Happy New Year" in Mandarin and Cantonese after expressing thanks to the local Chinese communities for their contributions to the country.

Noting 2019 as the China-New Zealand Year of Tourism, Ardern said that tourism, education and trade will strengthen the bilateral relations and the understanding between the two peoples so that the friendship can be enhanced.