Shaolin monks display their fighting skills at a cultural event at Hastings Sports Centre last night. Photo / Warren Buckland
Shaolin monks display their fighting skills at a cultural event at Hastings Sports Centre last night. Photo / Warren Buckland
Kung fu fighting monks drew more than 1000 people to a packed Hastings Sports Centre last night.
Families looked on in awe as monks from the ancient Shaolin Temple in China demonstrated kung fu moves, wielded swords and flew through the air.
Hastings District Council events development co-ordinator Craig Iresonsaid the free cultural display had been possible thanks to Hastings City's warm relationship with Chinese sister city Guilin.
"[The monks] were passing through from Wellington. We have a strong relationship with the Chinese Embassy and with support from other partners we were able to bring them here and put it on for free."
As he introduced the monks, councillor Kevin Watkins said the temple where they originated was 1500 years old.
