A delegation, led by Mr Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, was in New Zealand on 24 – 25 May. At that time, they took the opportunity to donate a statue to Christchurch, to pay its tribute and respect to Rewi Alley and his great contributions to China-New Zealand friendship. The artwork was sculpted by Mr Yuan Xikun, a famous sculptor in China. He was born in Kunming, Yunnan Province and is a Chinese visual artist and environmental activist.
Mayor Phil Mauger gave a speech of very warm welcome to Mr Yuan Xikun and his delegation and acknowledged the presence of Ambassador Wang Xiaolong and Consul General Madame He Ying as well as Rewi’s family members. China and Christchurch have a strong, enduring relationship that celebrates a long history of cultural, business, and educational exchange, recognising it was thanks to Rewi Alley that Christchurch and the province of Canterbury was able to build such a strong relationship with China.
The Mayor advised he will lead a city delegation to China later in the year, which will have representatives from education, business and the Christchurch China Sister Cities committee, which will explore opportunities for further win-win cooperation.
In conclusion, on behalf of the people of Christchurch he thanked Minister Liu and the Chinese Government for gifting the statue of Rewi Alley, and acknowledged the significant location of it at The Arts Centre, which was the former site of Christchurch Boys’ High School, which Rewi Alley attended as a boy.
Mr Liu Jianchao acknowledged the huge 60 year contribution Rewi Alley made to the welfare and development of the people of China during very troubled times, and spoke of the strong relationship China and New Zealand enjoy.
The speeches were followed by the performance of a song by local musician Andy Thompson, which he wrote about Rewi Alley as part of the Rewi Alley Roadshow, which was performed throughout the city in 1997 to commemorate the centenary of Rewi’s birth.
Andy has performed this number many times over the years, but this was possibly the best rendition ever.
Following the performance, the statue was unveiled by Mayor Phil Mauger and Mr Liu Jianchao.
Our national president Chris Lipscombe was an official guest at this very important event. The unveiling ceremony was followed by a seminar, at which future activities and events could be explored and planned.
This plaque, just a few metres along from the statue, was unveiled in 1997 as part of the commemoration activities celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Rewi Alley.
