Consul General Chen Shijie attended the 8th Race Relations Day Multicultural Festival on 25 July, together with Hon Karen Chhour, Minister for Children, Members of Parliament, Hon Melissa Lee, Rima Nakhle, Cameron Eric Brewer, Dr Parmjeet Parmar, Mayor of Palmerston North Grant Smith. Nearly 200 guests from different sectors of Auckland joined the event, which was hosted by the Federation of the New Zealand Chinese Association.

In his address, Chen spoke highly of the important contributions made by overseas Chinese to New Zealand's economic and social development as well as cultural exchanges between China and New Zealand. Chen noted that China and New Zealand have always maintained a relationship based on mutual respect and understanding, forging a path of mutually beneficial and common development. Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries, China-New Zealand relations have maintained a sound momentum of growth, with the fruitful outcomes of practical cooperation benefiting the peoples of both nations. The Consulate-General is willing to work hand in hand with people from all sectors in the consular district to further deepen and solidify bilateral relations.

Art troupes from various ethnic groups in New Zealand presented vibrant song and dance performances, winning thunderous applause.