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

"Not only with Guilin, but we have relationships with many cities and provinces right throughout China. Shenyang is a city that takes precedence for this float. Hastings has just had a wonderful relationship with China across many fields over many years so we appreciate it, and we know our partners in China appreciate it. You see the result of that relationship here today -- the China Shenyang Float," he said.

"Chinese friends are having a great time over there to celebrate the Moon Festival and we are having a wonderful time here in Hastings. This is our Blossom Festival to celebrate the arrival of spring. It's wonderful."