Gala Dinner to Welcome the Chinese Ambassador

Last night, the New Zealand China Council hosted a gala dinner to extend a warm welcome to New Zealand to the Ambassador of China, HE Mme Wu Xi.

The gala dinner was attended by over 70 senior business leaders, community leaders including Sir Don McKinnon, Dame Jenny Shipley, Raymond Huo, MP, Hon Nikki Kaye, Deputy Mayor Bill Cashmore, Chinese Consul General Mme Xu Erwen and members of the NZCC Executive and Advisory Boards.

Our Chairman Sir Don McKinnon formally welcomed Mme Wu Xi to New Zealand. In his speech, Sir Don said: “ From humble beginnings, the relationship has evolved into a strategic partnership based on mutual interests and mutual respect.  Today, as Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has said, China is among New Zealand’s top four partners and the Government, like its predecessor, is keen to develop the relationship even further.”

Entertainment was provided by NZ opera soprano Fiona Li, who performed three pieces finishing with the waiata Pokarekare Ana.