WORLD TAI CHI & QIGONG DAY AUCKLAND

On the 6th April 2002 at 10.00 am (local time) tens of thousands of tai chi and qigong practitioners all over the world gathered in public places to celebrate the health benefits of these ancient Chinese arts. This was the fourth World Tai Chi and Qigong Day (WTCQD) but the first for NZ. As Bill Douglas, founder of WTCQD, had announced: 'This year's event will kick off, not in Sydney (as in previous years) but in beautiful NEW ZEALAND'.

The Main Purposes of WTCQD Auckland:

1.  To initiate, lead and participate in the global relay of special WTCQD events in celebration of health and healing.

2.  To promote and educate the community and the world to the profound benefits that Tai Chi and Qigong can provide our personal, social and world health.

3.  To acknowledge Chinese culture for giving humanity these unique health technologies and to assist in their local development as appropriate.

Some notable achievements to date:

2002- WTCQD officially recognized  by the UN World Health Organization. A certificate has been received by the world organizers on behalf of all the participants worldwide.

2002- NZ initiated and lead this global relay of WTCQD events and will continue to do so. NZ being in the world's earliest time zone have the honour of starting the event for the world.

2002- Auckland successfully held the largest inaugural WTCQD event in NZ. A large portion of the participants were new migrants from China who have brought with them to NZ their skills in Tai Chi. The fact that Auckland has the largest ethnic Chinese community will ensure the city is uniquely placed to continue to lead the country in this event.

2002- WTCQD in Auckland filmed by 'Asia Down Under' programme and screened on TV1. Favourable comments were received from viewers throughout NZ

2006- WTCQD in Auckland commemorated the 50th Anniversary of the 24 Forms Simplified Tai Chi Chuan. Over 200 practitioners joined in a special mass performance of the 24 Forms Simplified Routine which is, without a doubt, the best known Tai Chi Chuan routine in the world today.

Further Information:

For further information visit the WTCQD International Organizing Centre website at www.worldtaichiday.org