WELLINGTON, Feb. 11 -- Ethnic Affairs Minister Judith Collins on Tuesday praised the contribution of Chinese and other Asian immigrants to New Zealand, saying they made the country richer.

Collins, who was hosting a celebration of the Chinese New Year at the New Zealand Parliament Tuesday, said the celebration was a symbol of the country's enthusiasm and embrace of cultural diversity.

"An increasing number of New Zealanders identify with ethnicities originating in Asia. New Zealand's third largest ethnic group is Chinese with China being the second most common place of birth for those born overseas," she said in a statement.

"Our national culture is richer as a result and now, more than ever, we are seeing how much we can share, gain and learn from this wealth of international knowledge and experience," she said.

"Their pioneering, innovative and entrepreneurial spirit continues to strengthen great progress in many sectors of our economy."