Hastings Blossom Parade kicks off in Hastings, New Zealand, Oct 3, 2020. [Photo provided to Chinaculture.org]

The floats and performances brought people of all ages and cultures together in a colourful, creative, vibrant display. As one of the regional marquee events, which was usually held in the first week of September to the start of Spring and attracts large crowds every year. It has been postponed for three weeks due to COVID-19 level 2 restrictions disrupting plans.

One of the floats was named after northeast China's city of Shenyang, sponsored by the China Cultural Centre in Wellington, designed and made by Hastings district councillor and project director Kevin Watkins.