COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT – April 2012
The past year went very quickly with a varied and interesting programme as we progressed through the year. We were fortunate to be able to welcome a few new members to our group and unfortunately we also lost Phil Simmers and Frank Bronsnhan
We started our new year with a Walking tour of China with Barbara Gatley followed by Alexis Legor from the Multicultural Council. The following month Heinrich Boeckhorst told us about his experience in setting up a franchise business of Daimier Benz which was a different look at Chinese society. The next month we had Wendy Chen, Rotorua Boys High Chinese Language teacher. She explained how she was able to teach the Chinese language to students with no experience in the learning of this language. We then had a break from guest speakers and held a round table discussion about many topics amongst members who attended. It gave us a chance to talk about national body issues and the possibilities for our organisation. This was a well received and enjoyable session. It was decided that we would have a change of venue for our Christmas break up session and held this function at the Chimney Indian Restaurant.
The year of 2012 arrived and we kicked of this year with another session with Su Ellis and her experiences living in China for 10 years with a very young family. She showed us some very interesting photos of China. A very different prospective from the tourist view. This year also presented us an opportunity to have as guest speaker the N.Z China Friendship Society’s president, Eric Livingston. Eric was accompanied by his wife Judy. He gave us a very detailed presentation on the History of Tibet. The committee and other members then entertained them at Chimney’s Restaurant. It was a very enjoyable evening and allowed us to get to know them in a great atmosphere. Everyone seemed to enjoy the night.
The next morning Cliff and Brenda took them to Kaito Intermediate so they could observe the Teaching programme of the Chinese Language that is taking place throughout Rotorua. The invitation from Laytee George was very much appreciated by Eric to give him a first hand opportunity to see what is happening in Rotorua.
Also this past year we hosted a delegation for lunch at John and Maisie Bond’s after they met with Oscar Nathan and others from the tourism industry. We appreciated Oscars assistance in making this happen at such short notice.
While Eric was with Cliff and I he spoke of a possible travelling Chinese Art Exhibition next May at conference time. I have made initial enquires as to the possibility of having this at the Arts Village and the manager has penciled this in as possible. This will have to be explored more with possibly cooperating with the Rotorua Chinese Association in this effort.
Our organisation was invited to a Justice of Peace luncheon to find out what the duties of JP’s are and to explore the possibility of nominating a Chinese local to become a JP. It appears that Rotorua is lacking in having different ethnic groups represented in this Association. We had a good representation at this function, 10, and Jan Burbidge spoke on our behalf as past president. The other organisations represented were the Rotorua Chinese Association, Dr. Ho spoke on their behalf, and the Rotorua Chinese Language Association, Chris Lackie was their speaker. Please put your minds on this issue.
A thank you to our guest
