The Liede Dragon Boat Team from Guangzhou's Tianhe District achieved a historic victory at the 186th Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta on January 26, winning the mixed small boat category and securing strong results in other events. This marked the first participation by a Chinese team in the regatta's history.
Traveling with 48 members, the team received support from the Guangdong Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and ShareBoating, a Hong Kong-based technology firm. During the races at Auckland's Viaduct Harbour, traditional Lingnan drumming blended with Māori haka performances, creating a vibrant scene of cultural exchange.
The team has a long record of success, having competed in Guangzhou's International Dragon Boat Race since 1994 and earning multiple championships. In 1997, they drew attention with a lion dance performed on a dragon boat. More recently, they won gold at the 2024 Perth Dragon Boat Invitational in Australia and took first place in Tianhe District's village category in June 2025.
The event garnered support from Simeon Brown, New Zealand's Minister for Auckland, and Maurice Williamson, a senior Auckland councillor. The Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Auckland described the team's participation as "a vivid example of high-level cultural and sports engagement on the global stage."
Organizers expect the team's success to strengthen ties between Guangzhou and Auckland, which have been sister cities since 1989. The event also held special significance for Auckland's Chinese community, particularly those with family roots in Guangdong.
Author | Feng Huiting
Photo | Party Construction Affairs Office of Liede Subdistrict Office, Tianhe District
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James Campion, Shen He
