First-time joining in the annual parade, the Chinese-themed costume display group consisted of attendees through Wear a Qipao or Changshan in New Year Parade, an online campaign posted by China Cultural Center in Wellington on the social media app Meetup, and students of the Mandarin class co-launched by the China Cultural Center in Wellington and Wellington City Council.

Lily Zhang, a participant in the costume group as well as the teacher of the Mandarin class, said she was "very proud to display Qipao to all the Wellingtonians in the most important festival for Chinese community."

The finish point of the parade is the most popular venue on the day in Wellington-the Chinese New Year Fair. People stopped in front of stalls to taste Chinese snacks, watch Chinese handicrafts, shop for special souvenirs, and enjoy watch Chinese cultural performances.