The New Zealand China Friendship Society’s 2024 National Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) is scheduled to take place in the beautiful and sunny city of Nelson from 17th to 19th May, 2024.
Recent Updates:
Theme
The chosen theme, “Reaching Out,” focusses on finding ways to connect with people of Chinese descent in local communities, and reflects a significant and meaningful initiative by Nelson branch. It underscores the importance of fostering connections and understanding with Chinese communities in New Zealand, as well as with China.
Nelson provides an ideal setting for this event, offering not only its picturesque beauty and sunny climate but also opportunities to explore the region’s great wines and craft beer. The chance to visit the Saturday market and delve into Nelson’s history, particularly its association with Appo Hocton as the first Chinese person to become a naturalised New Zealander, adds a fascinating dimension to the conference.
The conference will present a valuable occasion to catch up with old friends and make new connections with individuals who share a passion for China. The opportunity to discuss and strategize the future of the NZCFS at these national events is crucial for the organisation’s continual reinvigoration, fostering unity, and charting a rewarding path forward.
Conference Programme:
Last updated: 20/03/2024
Friday 17th
- 2:00-4:00 p.m. National Executive meeting.
- 4:00-6:00 p.m. Registration and Mayoral welcome, drinks, nibbles.
Saturday 18th
- 8:00 Opportunity to visit Nelson Market
- 9:30 Pick up at the Nelson Market
- 10:00 Huangshi Chinese garden followed by central Nelson walking tour with an option of visiting the car museum.
- 1:00 Gather
- 1:15 Mihi whakatau
- 1:45 Mayoral welcome
- 1:50 Speeches by dignitaries
- 2:10 Waiata
- 2:15 Afternoon tea, raffles
- 2:40 Beijing People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries
- 3:00 Reaching Out: Panel discussions and presentations
- Sister-city Relationships
- Youth Initiatives
- Local Chinese Community
- 6.45 Wine tasting with noted Nelson wine writer and critic Neil Hodgson at Eastern Cuisine Restaurant
- 7:30 Banquet
Sunday 19th
- 9:00-12:00 AGM and morning tea.
- 2:00-3:30 National Exec meeting.
Registration
The conference Early Bird Fee (register before 30 April 2024) has been set at $135 per person and the banquet and wine tasting $55. Registration after 30 April is $150.
Conference Accommodation
Accommodation is available at the Tides Hotel venue and Delorenzo motels in the central city at 5% discounted rates if required. Quote the code ‘12345’ when booking directly through the websites below. Nelson accommodation can fill up quickly so we recommend booking early.
Tides Hotel Bar & Eatery
Delorenzo’s Studio Apartments
Attractions
Spend time in beautiful, sunny Nelson
You may wish to take advantage of this opportunity to spend some time exploring the beautiful Nelson region.
Some of the most popular local attractions that we recommend are
- Nelson Saturday market 8am – 1pm (you can choose this as one of the conrerence Saturday morning activities)
- Cruising or walking in the Abel Tasman National Park
- Great beaches at Kaiteriteri, Rabbit Island and Tahunanui
- A visit to the fascinating and beautiful seaside village of Mapua
- Do the wine trail or wine tasting at one of our excellent vineyards such as Mahana Estate, Seifrieds, Kahurangi, Brightwater Vineyards, Neudorf and many more
- Golden Bay including salmon fishing, Pupu Springs and Wharariki beach
- A game of golf – there are several delightful 18 and 9 hole golf courses nearby
- Biking in the various mountain bike parks nearby and in Nelson. The popular Silvan Forest off the top of Champion Road is only 2 km away. The Great Taste Trail is a very popular biking trail just a short ride away
- Art and history at Suter Art Gallery, Nelson Provincial Museum, Founders Park historical village, Broadgreen House
- Beautiful gardens at Washbourne Gardens (Richmond – just nearby), Gardens of the World (Brightwater), Miyazu Gardens and Queens gardens including the Chinese Huangshi Garden (Nelson) and Isel Park (Stoke)
- Pic’s Peanut Butter World, Saxton Road
For more ideas:
- Top 10 things to do in Nelson Tasman – 100% Pure New Zealand
- 25 Things to do in Nelson – Travel2Next.com
