Home Christchurch Branch Newsletters Christchurch ...

Christchurch Branch Newsletter – February

233

Next Meeting – 22nd February 2018

Annual General Meeting: The first meeting of the year always includes the branch’s Annual General Meeting. Please give some thought between now and then as to whether you would like to stand for the committee. This is an opportunity to become more involved in our society’s activities. We are all committed to the NZCFS; here’s your chance to give your talents to achieve the aims of our organisation. Nominations from the floor will be accepted on the night for the roles of President, Secretary, Membership Secretary, Treasurer, and members at large.

IMPORTANT please note that to vote at the AGM, you need to be a financial member (subscription payment details below, or you can pay at the meeting).

February Speakers

Branch member Erin Diao has her parents and small brother here at the moment from China (their first visit).
They are going to talk to us (through Erin!) of their experiences in the Land of the Long White Cloud.

Their insights should be very interesting; if these pictures are anything to go by, they’re certainly having a wonderful time!

Chinese New Year Banquet 18 February

Yes, it’s that time of year again, the banquet we always enjoy! We still have a few seats available, so make

sure you don’t miss out. PLEASE NOTE payment must be made at the time of making your booking (details in January newsletter).

Consulate Spring Festival Function

About 100 invited guests – a cross-section of representatives of our society, New Zealand Police, educational

and business people etc – attended a 7 February function at Consul General Wang Zhijian’s Yaldhurst Road

residence, to celebrate the Chinese Spring Festival. It was a lovely calm balmy evening, and of course Mr Wang made a point of saying how he had arranged the weather especially for the occasion – naturally we all believed him!

Speeches were given by Mr Wang Zhijian, Wigram Member of Parliament Megan Woods and Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel. All emphasised the growing strength of New Zealand/China relations, both trade and personal, and the importance of continuing to develop a nd build on them. Several local mayors were in attendance, as well as Central Otago District Council Mayor Tim Cadogan. Mayor Lianne made a point of saying she was speaking on behalf of all mayors present.

This year the consulate decided to have two functions; one for the locals, with another for the local Chinese being held a week later.

After socialising, everyone moved inside for a rather wonderful buffet meal.

A great start to the Year of the Dog.

 

Culture Galore

Saturday 10 March 12 noon – 4pm, Ray Blank Park, Maidstone Road

This is always a fun and interesting occasion. President Chris is calling for people to offer to staff our stand. If

you have a couple of hours to spare on the day, please contact Chris 0274223142 [email protected]

 

Lantern Festival

10 and 11 March, 6 – 10pm both days

Cathedral Square

A celebration of Chinese culture, celebrating the Lunar New Year in the heart of Christchurch. Bring along your family and friends to experience Chinese culture through 400 vibrantly coloured lanterns. This free event is for everyone and features music, performance, dance, food and lanterns.

The Lantern Festival has been part of the Chinese New Year celebrations since the Han Dynasty (206BC – 221AD). 2018 is the Year of the Dog. And isn’t it great that a fun event is being held in Cathedral Square again – another sign that our city is returning to normal.

Further details: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2018/christchurch-lantern-festival/christchurch and https://ccc.govt.nz/news-and-events/events/show/475

Our branch will have a 3x6m marquee space there, so if you are able to help staff it for even one hour, please

contact Chris – he’ll be pleased to hear from you. 0274223142 [email protected]

 

Explore China: the Centre Tour

7 – 29 October 2018

This is going to be an amazing tour; our society tours are always the best value. Have a look at it, and be convinced! Please get this out to your friends and in fact anyone you know who could be interested in the trip of a lifetime. https://nzchinasociety.org.nz/31827/nzcfs-explore-china-the-centre-tour/

Revenue Generation Committee

In May 2017 the society’s National Executive agreed to form a committee to enable it to further manage the society’s revenue generating activities. Expressions of interest are now being called for from people who want to be involved in this committee.

Ideal candidates will have some commercial credentials, such as experience in running/managing a business, studying business related courses or a qualification in business, management or accounting. Applicants must be willing to provide the society with a minimum or three hours per month and be comfortable to communicate via WeChat, skype or email. Joining the committee will give members an opportunity to get involved in the society, learn about China and business as well as enhance their CV.

If you think being part of this interesting committee is for you, applications close 31 March 2018 and should be forwarded to society national secretary Simon Appleton [email protected] A small working committee will be formed from nominations.