Tauranga Branch members are working hard preparing for the Society’s National Conference to be held in Tauranga during the weekend of 19–21 May. A comprehensive programme has been developed for attendees and we are looking forward to welcoming members and friends from all around New Zealand, from Australia and from China.
An early highlight will be on Friday evening at the The Armitage Hotel conference venue. An initial welcome from NZCFS Tauranga Branch President Tina Zhang will be followed by the live signing of our updated Memorandum of Understanding with the Beijing People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (BPAFFC) via Zoom. There will also be an opportunity to mix and mingle with old friends from around the country.
On Saturday morning a powhiri will begin with manuhiri assembling outside the conference centre. The mihi whakatau will be given by a representative from the local Pirirakau hapu.
Western Bay of Plenty District Mayor James Denyer will make the opening address followed by keynote speakers the New Zealand China Friendship Society National President Chris Lipscombe and the China Ambassador His Excellency Dr Wang Xiaolong.
“Friendship in Action: New migrants to Tauranga” and “Friendship in Action: International students in Tauranga” will be the foci for the panel discussions. Other speakers include a representative from kiwifruit company Zespri and local MP and Minister of Education, Women, and Child Poverty Reduction Hon Jan Tinetti.
Lunch in the Poolside Restaurant will give attendees another opportunity to meet with old friends and make new ones before the conference attendees embark on a tour of Tauranga led by General Manager – Workforce and Policy at Priority ONE Greg Simmons. Afternoon highlights include a comprehensive tour of New Zealand’s busiest port at Mount Maunganui and visits to a kiwifruit packhouse and orchard.
The conference banquet on Saturday evening will be held at Eastern Ocean Chinese Restaurant with an address from NZCFS Patron Rt Hon Sir David Carter. The weekend will conclude on Sunday morning with the Annual General Meeting of the Society at The Armitage Hotel, followed by the initial meeting of the new National Executive.
For more information on our conference go to The 2023 National conference page here.
