GREETINGS TO ALL
OUR SEPTEMBER MEETING WILL BE:
DATE: Sunday 16 OCTOBER 2011
TIME: 12:30 PM – Start time for a shared lunch
VENUE: ARTS VILLAGE (RAVE) in the
Eric Bridgman Lounge
This meeting will be a Round Table Discussion with all those attending participating. If you have any issue or topic you wish to discuss bring it along or if you like feel free to contact myself or any other committee member. Ideas for speakers, celebration of events, projects you would like supported, encouraging new members, anything is up for discussion. One never knows what might come out of such a meeting. It also gives us a chance to get to know each other better. Note this meeting is a week earlier. Apologies for the short notice
November/December meeting is our usual Luncheon meeting. Bring your suggestions as to where you think we should go for this.
Bereavement
It is with regret we acknowledge the passing of Frank Bronsnahan. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family. Frank was a loyal supporter of the organisation for many years and shared his many experiences with us.
Subscription
The end of the year has rushed by. There are a few outstanding subscription. If you wish to continue to support the organisation if you could please send them into Norma Millard, 24A Union Street, Rotorua 3010 it would be much appreciated. If you are uncertain phone her on 3482110
National Notebook September 2011
Welcome to a High-level Delegation from Beijing
Auckland Branch had the honour of welcoming a high-level delegation from Beijing at a dinner on Tuesday, 4th September 2011. The delegation was led by Mr Liao Hui, Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) [the Chinese equivalent of the US Senate] and also President of the China-Oceania Friendship Assoc. (COFA).
National President Eric Livingstone was unable to attend as he is in Europe, and Auckland President George Andrews warmly welcomed Mr. Liao and his delegation on behalf of NZCFS. He recalled that back in 1952 the Society’s initial aim was for New Zealand to give diplomatic recognition to China and spoke of Rewi Alley’s contribution. He underlined that next year the Society would be celebrating the 40th year since this was achieved, as well as the Society’s 60th anniversary.
In reply, Mr. Liao pointed out that 60 + 40 make a really auspicious number and he wished us and Auckland all the best for our celebrations next year. He recounted that, as a youth, he had met Rewi Alley, but, at the time hadn’t realized how important Rewi was. Their visit included a flying visit to Rotorua to look at the programme there teaching Mandarin in schools.
2011 Prominent Person and Leaders Delegation to China
Every year Youxie invites NZCFS to take a delegation to China which this year will visit Beijing, Shandong and Fujian. Sally Russell, Hawke’s Bay will lead the group who are: from Dunedin, Vivienne Holmes an Electoral Commission Community Educator and teacher Colin Child; Timaru, Andrew Turnbull a Company Manager of DC Turnbull and Co, grain and seed merchants, shipping agents, and wool scours exporting to China; Christchurch, Tong Tian (Tony) a Software Engineer; Nelson, Anne Todd-Lambie a lawyer and Family Court Mediator; Wellington, Bruce Asher, Principal Policy Advisor Dept Corrections and Joy Asher, a nurse and midwife and researcher at the Royal New Zealand Plunket Society; Palmerston North, John Brunsden with an English Teaching Business with two campuses one in Palmerston Nth and one in Wellington; Hawke’s Bay, Acupuncturist Heiko Lade; and from Hibiscus Coast, Ruth E. Henderson, a Freelance Journalist.
Tours
NZCFS Photographers Tour April 2012 – 22 Days in China
The specially selected destinations offer amazing photographic opportunities to spend time in a range of different environments, from terraced hillsides and minority villages to modern cityscapes; from peaceful scenic landscapes to the bustle of daily life; a broad offering of old and new. ( itinerary subject to change)
Our visit includes:
Guilin landscapes and minority peoples
“Old” Phoenix town—Fenghuang
Scenic Huangshan and Zhangjiajie National Forest
Shanghai, cityscapes of contrast (see over for full draft itinerary)
Judy Livingstone past president of the Christchurch Branch and a keen photographer will be leading this tour.
Contact Ann White – or see our tours page on the website and register your interest.
Price $6990—All inclusive with meals, 4 star twin share accommodation where available, internal travel and entrance fees (estimated, subject to currency exchange, excludes Chinese visa and insurances)
We are fortunate that NZCFS’ very good partners in China, the Chinese Peoples Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries ( Youxie ) will once again be our in-China tour providers. This gives us a national level guide with excellent English and international experience, as well as a lot of experience with such tours; and also excellent connections to local Friendship organizations. Do not expect to be lead to shopping situations as is often encountered on commercial tours.
This tour is specifically for photographers, with a relatively slow pace allowing free time to wander as well as organized visits to a wide range of photography opportunities. For those who are non photographers the pace is also attractive with an added bonus of learning some new techniques for taking some spectacular shots.
In the 3 weeks, there will be 5 key locations, with the final 3 destinations in close proximity, so not too much time is lost in travel. Details of the itinerary are continuing to be made, and changes, if any, will be notified as soon as possible. Suitable for amateur and professional photographersApril 5 to April 26 in China (Final itinerary and dates to be confirmed)
