AUCKLAND BRANCH SPEAKER FEATURED IN NZ HERALD
Congratulations Auckland Branch – President George Andrews arranged an interview by the NZ Herald Newspaper to report on National Executive Dave Bromwich’s address on the Society’s earthquake restoration projects.  What excellent publicity informing the public at large how their donations were multiplied to make a significant difference to four rural communities in earthquake damged areas under the oversight of our Chinese partners, Women’s Federations and  Chinese Industrial Cooperatives Association. View article

ICCIC – 70th Celebrations in Beijing
Messages were sent on your behalf and by a former ICCIC Executive Member, Bill Willmott to  the International Committee of the Chinese Industrial Cooperatives (ICCIC) who met in Beijing early June to celebrate its formation in 1939 by Rewi Alley and others to coordinate international support for the Chinese Industrial Coooperatives Movement (Gung Ho). Both ICCIC and the Gung Ho movement went into recess in 1952, the year of our founding in Auckland, then recommenced in 1980’s. It no doubt not a co-incidence that Rewi advocated the formation of our Society during the recess to provide support for activities like Gung Ho in China. We are pleased Bill Willmott kept our relationship alive and now Dave Bromwich has picked up the mantle of being a New Zealander on the executive committee of ICCIC. It is also pleasing we continue to have a strong association with Gung Ho in projects in different rural areas of China including in the earthquake zone. If you would like to become a member of ICCIC there is a one off membership subscription of US$100. Do consider joining this worthwhile organsiation. Conatct Dave or I for more details.

TOURS TO CHINA
Sadly we have good news and bad news as a result of the recession and its impact on our tours to China this year. The National Heartland Tour has had to be cancelled for this year because of low interest, and thankfully the cheaper air fares have allowed a smaller than normal group to participate in the projects tour this year. If any one else wises to join this specially focused visit please contact Dave Bromwich urgently.

SHANGHAI DELEGATIONS – We recently received thanks from the leaders of both delegations that were in New Zealand during May, the Shanghai Womens Federation group who met counterparts arranged by the Christchurch Branc and the Shanghai Youxie delegation who were well hosted by the Christchurch, Wellington, Rotorua and Auckland Branches. Our thanks to you all especially to Wellington for furthering a High School twinning.

PROJECT REPRESENTATIVES FROM BRANCHES
At conference, following a workshop recommendation, it was agreed to ask all branches to appoint a member who could be the Branch Representative for National projects. This would suit someone prepared to learn up about our projects and be able to pass this information on to branch members by announcements at meetings, items in Branch newsletters etc. Contact Sally Russell or Dave Bromwich if you can assist in this way – a vital role.

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE MEETING WELLINGTON 25 JULY. I look forward to seeing all Branch Presidents and other National executive members for this important meeting. We have a number of items delegated to us by Conference including changes to our Mission and Purpose etc, considering changes to our structure and I would like us to consider our theme for next years conference in Hamilton. See you there.
Christmas is less than six months away and spring is even closer. Keep warm.