Next Branch Meeting
Wednesday, 19 November 2014, at 5.45pm
Terence O’Brien will speak on Navigating between the giant panda and the bald eagle: the kiwi ordeal
Terence O’Brien has had many years’ involvement in the field of foreign relations and, in particular, New Zealand’s role in the world. He has headed New Zealand diplomatic missions in the Pacific and Europe, including as New Zealand’s Ambassador to the European Union; he was NZ’s Ambassador to the United Nations when New Zealand last won a seat on the UN Security Council and represented NZ in the Security Council on many occasions. He was the founding Director of the Centre for Strategic Studies and has become New Zealand’s leading public commentator on international affairs and, particularly, New Zealand’s role and relations with the major powers.
Connolly Hall, Guildford Terrace, off Hill Street, Thorndon, Wellington (see map)
(Car park up Guildford Tce beside Hall)
An optional Chinese buffet meal, supplied by the Fujiyama Café, will follow the meeting at 7 pm. Orders for the $12 meal (please pay at the door) will be taken up till 6pm. If you think you may be arriving late, please let the Secretary know in advance.
ALSO COMING UP THIS MONTH
October – December Mandarin Corner at 3.15pm – 4.30pm on Saturdays.
11 & 12 November Experience China Acrobatics Spectacular, The Opera House, 7pm.
27 November Chinese film: 游园惊梦Peony Pavilion, Committee Room One, Wellington City Council, 101 Wakefield Street. 7.15pm.
2015 CHINESE NEW YEAR BANQUET
The Chinese New Year in 2015 is 19 February, heralding in the Year of the Sheep. We have started organising the NZCFS Chinese New Year Banquet, which will take place at Dragons Restaurant on Sunday February 15. We will email members with further details once these have been confirmed.
SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL REMINDER
Please be reminded that 2014 membership subscription renewals are well past due. Please renew if you have not already done so.
NEW MEMBER – The NZCFS Wellington Branch welcomes Colleen Daymond-King as a new member to the organisation.
REPORT FROM LAST MEETING (from Kirk McDowall)
Dr Adrian Macey spoke at the Wellington Branch meeting on Wednesday 15 October. From 2006 to 2014, Adrian was New Zealand’s first climate change ambassador, and he was responsible for the international climate change negotiations, coordination of international policy and domestic outreach. In June 2010 he was elected Vice Chair of the UNFCCC Kyoto Protocol negotiations, and then served as Chair for 2011. Adrian is also an Adjunct Professor at the New Zealand Climate Change Research Institute at Victoria University of Wellington. In addition, Michael Powles, the President of the Wellington Branch, was Adrian’s first boss in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Adrian began his speech on Climate Change and China, by highlighting the relationship between China and New Zealand, with good cooperation between the two governments on this issue; the Honourable Tim Groser, Minister for Climate Change Issues, and Xie Zhenhua, Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission, share a close relationship with a focus on Climate Change. On a global scale, the main focus of climate change negotiations has been on mitigation, or reducing the severity and impacts of climate change related events. Adrian went on to highlight the history of climate change discussions, including the Framework Convention in 1992 (phase one) and the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 and 2005 (phase two). This involved setting up measures and targets for countries involved, and also forming a body to review and explain the science behind climate change (the International Panel on Climate Change).
China has overtaken the US as the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases (23% compared with 19%), and Adrian showed how global rates have been increasing over time. As a result of this increase, the next phase of climate change negotiations will be Paris 2015 – an agreement for a maximum ‘two degree’ global temperature rise goal, which is applicable to all. Countries can implement initiatives that are most suited to them, and there will be a focus on the future, using adaptation, technology and finance to reduce the impacts.
China has had an active role in climate diplomacy, and has called for collaboration with the world to work together, as well as greater use of clean technology. Despite China’s political position on this issue, it has a number of international roles, including being part of the Major Economies Forum, Climate and Clean Air Coalition, and bilateral partnerships with a number of countries including New Zealand.
As a result of the huge growth of China’s cities, and the subsequent greenhouse gases produced, China is actively looking to reduce these emissions through the 12th Five Year Plan 2011-2015. This is due to the significant number of risks China faces related to climate change and greenhouse gases, including pollution, sea level rise, water shortages, energy security and its international reputation. The Five Year Plan includes a 16 percent reduction in energy intensity and 17 percent reduction in carbon intensity. They also pledged to reduce the national carbon intensity by 40-45 percent of the 2005 levels by 2020. Consequently, China has focused on improving its solar and wind technology, as well as using ‘clean coal’ and improving urban design. This includes building the Wuhan Phoenix Towers, which have solar panels, wind turbines and green walls.
China is playing a major role in our efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Without China, we cannot save the planet, but China cannot save the planet by itself. Only by working with China can the world better prepare itself for the future and to reduce the impacts of climate change. As a result of China’s links with greenhouse gas emissions, China will potentially play the biggest role over the coming years. However, with the help from the international community, including New Zealand, we can save the planet. A lively discussion followed, including some dissent from a well-known climate change denier.
2015 NZCFS NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Planning is in progress by the Nelson branch which is hosting next year’s Conference the weekend of May 22-24. The theme chosen is “有办法 YO BANFA: There is a way!” based on the title of a book from Rewi Alley. Branches and Committees will be asked to make presentations, should they wish, on how they are finding ‘a way’ to convert NZCFS goals into action. The venue will be at the Muritai Centre at Tahunanui School. Registration information will be sent to members in February 2015.
NZCFS Youth Website
Remember to check the NZCFS Youth Website, which is available at www.nzcfsyouth.org. The site contains articles from members of the NZCFS, showing their experiences from New Zealand and China, as well as information and events. This site will be running in conjunction with the main NZCFS website. If you would like to add an article to the website, feel free to contact Faye or Kirk ([email protected]). Make sure to check out the Facebook page as well, www.facebook.com/NZCFSWellington, to learn more about this group.
MANDARIN CORNER 汉语角 Saturdays 3.15-4.30pm
Seminar Room, 20 Kelburn Parade, Victoria University of Wellington.
Mandarin Corner (Wellington), established in 1995 by NZCFS, is a weekly event where students learning Chinese meet with native speakers of Chinese for conversation and cultural activities in a friendly, relaxed setting. Mandarin Corner is currently run by a core team of Mandarin Language Assistants. If you wish to improve your Chinese language skill, share your China experiences or talk to someone who has been or lived there, this is a great place to go. Snacks and drinks are provided. For more information contact Jingyuan（孔璟瑗）at [email protected]
EXPERIENCE CHINA ACROBATICS SPECTACULAR – THE OPERA HOUSE
11 & 12 NOVEMBER, 7PM
Experience China – Acrobatic Spectacular is coming to the Wellington Opera House to captivate you with Chinese acrobatics. Be amazed by the traditional music, dance and drama from the China National Acrobatic Troupe. The China National Acrobatic Troupe has won 59 gold medals in a variety of international and domestic competitions including the Golden Clown, President Award and Gold Magic Prize. This show has visited more than 124 countries and has won applause from all over the world.
Tickets at Ticketek premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=EXPCHINA14
CHINESE FILM 中国电影 – Thursday 27 November 2014, 7.15pm
Venue: Committee Room One, Wellington City Council, 101 Wakefield Street. Gold coin donation. With support from Confucius Institute, Victoria University of Wellington.
Please note this is the last NZCLA film shown in 2014.
游园惊梦 Peony Pavilion [2001, 122 minutes]
Director: 杨凡 Yonfan Cast: 王祖贤Joey Wang，宫泽理惠 Ria Miyazawa，吴彦祖 Daniel Wu，赵志刚 Zhigang Zhao
Shot on location in a world-heritage classic garden in Suzhou, Peony Pavilion was premiered in the Opening Gala of the 25th Hong Kong Film Festival, 2001. The title was borrowed from a Kunqu (a form of Chinese Opera) title which was a symbol of love. The film is Yonfan’s bold foray into the ancient aesthetics of Kunqu Opera. The film depicts the fates and friendship of two women. Rie Miyazawa plays a Kunqu opera singer, who later marries into a wealthy family. Lonely yet too weak to voice her discontent, she develops a dubious relationship with a female cousin of the family, played by Joey Wang. However, their “relationship” is soon tested when a handsome stranger arrives.
INSIDE RED CHINA DVD
As one of the Simon Deng Li Fund projects this year, National Vice President George Andrews has arranged a digital enhancement of the original Rudall and Ramai Hayward’s 1958 film ‘Inside Red China’ which was shown to Wellington members in August last year. The film gives an honest and unbiased report of China and includes rare historic footage denied to any outside of China at that time.
The new NZCFS ‘Inside Red China’ DVD has the added features of John McKinnon, who was Ambassador to China from 2001 to 2004, giving an explanation in both English and Mandarin of how the Maori cloak presented to Mao Zedong by Ramai Hayward, having been lost for some years, was found again in the National Museum of China; Alistair Shaw, NZCFS historian, explaining how the film came about and its significance for friendship with China; interview with Awhina Tamarapa, Maori curator at Te Papa who accompanied the cloak on loan back to New Zealand; and footage of the handover of the Maori cloak from the National Museum of China in Beijing and the powhiri and display of the cloak at Te Papa in April last year.
See Xinhua media report from China: news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2014-09/30/c_133684818.htm
Members are welcome to borrow the branch copy of the DVD. Please contact Graham Gibbs, branch secretary.
REMEMBERING ROBIN BROWN 1930 – 2014 
Robin Brown, past National President (2002) and Life Member, died on Sunday, September 7, aged 84. He was President of Nelson Branch from 1994 – 2000 and had a major influence on the direction and success of the Branch through the generous use of his many skills and talents and always showed great enthusiasm for furthering friendship with the people of China. He was the major force behind the establishment of Huangshi as Nelson’s Sister City and the early development of the Chinese Garden in Nelson. See nzchinasociety.org.nz/18419/remembering-robin-brown-1930-2014/
CHRISTCHURCH BRANCH YUNNAN EARTHQUAKE APPEAL RAISES $5770
The Christchurch branch managed to raise $5770 for the Yunnan Earthquake appeal. Chris Goodwin, President of the branch, thanks all those who gave their support. Consul General Jin thanked the NZCFS for the donations saying that this brought back his memories of the Tangshan earthquake in 1976. His house collapsed in that quake and even though he was a young boy, he had to drag his grandmother out of the rubble. He remembers the support Tangshan got from within and outside China.
Picture shows Christchurch mayor Leanne Dalziel presenting the cheque to Consul General Jin Zhijian. Chris Goodwin, President Christchurch branch, is supporting the cheque.
OUR ‘WRITER IN SHANGHAI’ SENDS HER FIRST REPORT
Award-winning novelist and poet Alison Wong was chosen as our writer to travel to Shanghai as a guest of the Shanghai Writers Association to join the Shanghai International Writing Programme. In return NZCFS have agreed to host a writer from Shanghai at the Michael King Writer’s Centre in 2015. Alison is a third-generation Chinese New Zealander and she will work on a family memoir while she is in Shanghai.
See nzchinasociety.org.nz/18263/our-writer-in-shanghai-sends-her-first-report/
UPCOMING NZCFS TOURS:
Chinese Gardens Tour, 25 April – 13 May 2015
This Tour will visit 3 main areas: Shanghai – Suzhou; Sichuan – Chengdu and environs; and Beijing. Led by Chinese Garden expert Di Madgin, and her husband Professor Bill Willmott who has personal experience and family history from his upbringing in Sichuan as the son of Canadian Missionaries. With a range of different garden styles from the three locations, including classic gardens, a water village, public parks, and pandas. Near Chengdu, the tour will include a visit to the recently opened missionary museum which is a tribute from the Chinese government recognising the compassionate support given freely by the Canadian Mission, especially in the areas of health and education. It will also visit a reminder of the landlord rule at the landlord’s museum.
Explore China – The North Central Region, late July–August 2015: This tour will focus on Inner Mongolia, and central North China to the south of this vast province. It will aim to be there in time for the range of cultural festivals of the Mongolian people. Shanxi province with Datong, Hesheng hanging monastery and Pingyao UNESCO Heritage Town are likely to be included. An option to include the Republic of Mongolia in this tour may be possible.
Photographers Tour 2015, September 4-25: This tour follows on from the successful Photographers Tour led by Judy Livingstone in 2012. Visit destinations specially selected for amazing photographic opportunities in different environments ranging from Huanglong & Jiuzhaigou UNESCO parks with waterfalls, multi coloured lakes, and minority villages to modern cityscapes and peaceful landscapes to the bustle of daily life. A broad varied offer of old and new. Tour visits Sichuan landscapes and pandas, Tibetan culture and train trip, Scenic Dongchuan Red Land and Chengdu cityscape.
For more information on all tours see nzchinasociety.org.nz/news/tours-to-china/ or email [email protected].
