Celebrating 'Naturally Nepal'

The Nepal community in New Zealand may be small but they had a bold statement to make to Kiwis on Saturday – visit our country and experience its natural beauty.

More than 1000 visitors from all over New Zealand and members of the Nepalese community gathered in Auckland on April 11 to celebrate the inaugural Nepal Festival, and also the Nepal New Year.

The function, at Blockhouse Bay Primary School, was also attended by Nepal’s ambassador to New Zealand, Yogendra Dhakal (based in Canberra) and the chief executive of the Nepal Tourism Board, Prachanda Man Shrestha.

Dhakal and Shrestha both urged the New Zealand government for closer trade and tourism ties with their country as part of a drive to promote and Nepal as a dynamic tourist destination leading up to 2011 – Nepal Tourism Year.

Dhakal urged the New Zealand government to appoint a parliamentary group to look into fostering and promoting closer ties between the countries.

His comments were well received and National MP Jackie Blue, representing the Government at the event, pledged to just that.

Blue was one of the many dignitaries invited by the organizers to be part of the function. Also attending were Labour MP Chris Carter and Lady June Hillary, widow of Sir Edmund Hillary.

Sir Edmund, who died last year, is revered by the Nepalese as the conqueror of Mt Everest together with one of their own, Tensing Norgay.

Tourism chief Shrestha highlighted the achievements of “the greatest New Zealander” and why Sir Ed was held in such high regard by Nepalese, as the basis for an everlasting relationship between the countries.

Shrestha emphasized that Kiwis would not be disappointed by the natural beauty of the Himalayan nation which attracts thousands from all over the world every year.

Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and altitudinal variation.

The elevation of the country ranges from 60 metres above sea level to the highest point on Earth, Mt Everest, at 8848m, all within a distance of 150km resulting into climatic conditions from sub-tropical to Arctic.

Nepal, with a population of 25.8 million, has more than 101 ethnic groups and 92 spoken languages.

The Auckland celebration was well supported by dance performances and seminars on Nepal attractions, and a similar event was held in Sydney, Australia.

Food stalls served traditional Nepali food and traditional handicraft was also on hand at many stalls.

A bigger celebration is planned next year, says Dr Anil Kumar, one of the key organizers of the event.

For for information, visit www.welcomenepal.com

* See picture gallery above for more photos.