Category: New Zealand

Classical Pianist and Mother of 10 Relates to ‘Beautiful Ideas’ of Shen Yun

AUCKLAND, New Zealand—Professional pianist Wendy Park was treated to Shen Yun Performing Arts by her husband for their wedding anniversary on April 22. “I am just amazed,” she said from Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre, in Auckland. “I really had no idea that the music would be so beautiful. I am really attracted to the…


Shen Yun ‘Opens Your Eyes’: Mother and Daughter Stunned

AUCKLAND—Shen Yun Performing Arts left a deep impression on Marilise Van De Venter and her daughter Daniella when they attended a matinee performance at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre in Auckland on April 22. Through music and dance, the New York-based Shen Yun aims to revive China’s traditional culture, which has faded under the Chinese Communist…


Shen Yun Brings a ‘Unique Pure Energy’: Media Awards Winner

AUCKLAND, New Zealand—Steve Hutton felt uplifted by a “unique pure energy” when he saw Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre for the first time. “I felt the energy coming from the stage—it was a unique pure energy,” he said on April 21. “It is the only way I can describe it—it…


New Zealand Official Says Shen Yun Is ‘First Class’ and ‘Brilliant’

AUCKLAND, New Zealand— Winston Peters, Leader of political party called NZ First and formerly served twice as Deputy Prime Minister, saw Shen Yun Performing Arts for the first time at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre on April 20. “First class, top rate,” he said, “everyone was faultless and that is not easy to see in…


Final Livestock Ship Departs New Zealand as Export Ban Comes Into Force

The last consignment of New Zealand’s livestock departed the port of New Plymouth on Friday as the government’s ban on livestock exports by sea went into effect for animal welfare reasons. Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor said that New Zealand’s exports of live animals by sea had ceased after a two-year transition period ended. “Our…


Shen Yun Is ‘A Movement About Humanity and Embracing It’: CEO, NZ Maori Council Member

AUCKLAND, New Zealand—”This is a never to miss moment!” said Mr. Roimata Minhinnick from Ngāti Te Ata, which is around Manukau Harbour, after seeing Shen Yun Performing Arts for the first time on April 20. A member of the New Zealand Maori Council, Mr. Minhinnick has served as the chair of its Law, Justice, and Corrections Committee, as well…


Feral Cat Hunting Competition Cancelled After Animal Rights Activists Raise Concerns

The addition of a new feral cat category in an annual hunting competition in rural New Zealand has sparked public outrage, prompting organisers to scrap the category. Organisers of the North Canterbury Hunting Competition expressed their disappointment at the withdrawal, a move they said was made to avoid further backlash. Under the category, kids under…


At Least 6 Reported Killed in Mission to Rescue Abducted New Zealand Pilot

At least six Indonesian soldiers have been reportedly killed during a mission to rescue New Zealand pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens, who was abducted by armed separatist group West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) in February. Army reports said 36 troops were stationed at a post in the district of Nduga when gunmen from the TPNPB…


‘Magnificent’: Director, Engineer for New Zealand Police on Shen Yun

WELLINGTON, New Zealand—Wayne Goodfellow said he would “definitely” recommend Shen Yun Performing Arts to his friends after catching the final of five sold-out shows in the city this year. “If you want to see something very, very different and something really cultural, I’d recommend you come along,” he said on April 16. Mr. Goodfellow, a…


Multicultural Council President Delighted by Messages of ‘Divinity’ and ‘Unity’ in Shen Yun

WELLINGTON, New Zealand—New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts ended its season in Wellington’s St. James Theatre on April 16, playing to a sold-out house. Many audience members said they came away from the performance with an enhanced understanding of divinity. Pushpa Prasad, president of the New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Councils, was one of those…