News from the Society

National Notebook		Monthly updates from the National President
Branch newsletters		Auckland Hibiscus Coast Hamilton Hawkes Bay Wairarapa Wellington Nelson Christchurch	2008 National calendar of events (pdf)
Special Society news		Factsheets Pollution during the Olympics Human rights in China   Bill Willmott review "Mao: the unknown story"

 

 

June 2009

ANNUAL CONFERENCE – A GREAT EVENT!

Congratulations Hibiscus Branch – President Rhyl Jansen and Conference Director Eric Dittmer for a fantastic conference at Orewa, Hibiscus Coast. Great venue, conference arrangements, fellowship, speakers and workshops. Our thanks to all the conference committee and our National Executive for all their hard work and efforts for a memorable weekend. And what an inclusive, warm sincere welcome from Deputy Mayor John Kirikiri that really set the tone for a fantastic weekend.

 Excellent speeches gave us much to think about in our conference deliberations:

1. Graham Lamont “Possible Effects of Global Recession on China’s Relations with the Rest of World”
2. Hon Pansy Wong “ China Sixty Years On – Challenges, Changes & Partnerships”
3. Prof Paul Spoonley “ Being here & There : Chinese Migration & the Impact on Auckland”
4. His Excellency Ambassador Zhang Limin, on the sixty years of the People’s Republic of China
5. Nora Yao “The Meaning of China to New Zealand Today & Tomorrow”

Congratulations are due to:

1. Margaret Cooper on her well deserved Life Membership for all her hard work undertaken for us.
2. Honorary Memberships awarded to Lu Wanru who had worked with Youxie, had been Rewi Alley’s secretary and more recently with the Chinese Industrial Co-operatives Organisation ICCIC; to Ma Baoru for her work in memory of Kathleen Hall (He Ming Qing) and the Nursing Scholarship; also to Liu Guozhong for his work in our relationship with the Shandan Bailie School and ICCIC.
3. Projects Committee on the Embassy’s trophy and Achievement Award presented by the Chinese Ambassador at our banquet
4. Achievement Awards to Nelson Branch for their excellent outcome s from their Prominent Persons Delegation nominee; to Auckland for their great DVD on an interview of Isobel Thompson and her work in China; the He Ming Qing Committee and its major progress with its nursing scholarships.
5. Sally Russell on joining National Executive as an elected member

Shanghai Delegations Visit during May

Two delegations arranged by the Shanghai People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries visited briefly last month. First to arrive in Christchurch was a five person delegation from that organisation who discussed current and future relationships with myself, Bill Willmott, National past president, Judy Livingstone, Christchurch Branch President plus some local branch committee members. A number of excellent opportunities were canvassed. This delegation then went on to be hosted by Wellington, Rotorua and Auckland Branches – thanks to all who helped with this.

 The other delegation was from the Shanghai Women’s Federation comprising six members whose brief visit included a meeting with our Christchurch Branch and Canterbury senior members of the NZ Institute of Women who provided a most interesting dairy farm visit to Brookside, south of Christchurch City to discuss matters of mutual interest including handcrafts and  farm life. The previous evening both delegations enjoyed a Chinese meal with members of the NZ Institute of Women  and our local branch. A most enjoyable event.

Keep warm, dry and in good humour this cool winters month – spring is around the corner.

 

May 2009

ANNUAL CONFERENCE ALMOST HERE!

Looking forward to it? I sure am! What a great line up of guest speakers, fantastic options for the eight workshops and excellent opportunities for fellowship and networking.  I look forward to seeing those of you are attending our annual conference at Orewa, Hibiscus Coast. We have high registrations numbers and even more coming to the Saturday night banquet. Heaps of work undertaken by the Hibiscus Coast Branch preparing for this important event in our calendar.

We receive fantastic support from the Chinese Embassy in Wellington and from the Consulate in Auckland, so we are specially pleased to have Ambassador His Excellency Zhang Limin, Consulate General Ms Liao Juhua, First Secretary Cultural Olga Wang, and Cultural Attache Ms Jia Xiulin with us at Conference on Saturday as well as at the Banquet that night for the awarding of the Embassy’s Award for Achievement. It was great catching up with the Ambassador this last week in Christchurch when he opened a Chinese book corner in Rewi Alley’s old High School library at Christchurch Boys High. A grand occasion with representatives of other schools and the Chinese Language Teachers Association present.

1979 DOCUMENTARY GUNG HO: REWI ALLEY OF CHINA

NZ On Screen advise that this documentary is available to view in full for free. A great opportunity for a Branch Meeting!      See: http://www.nzonscreen.com/title/gung-ho---rewi-alley-of-china-1979  It was directed by Geoff Steven, co-written by Alley biographer Geoff Chapple and shot by Leon Narbey (with Annie Collins editing)

LANZHOU CITY UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT
Judy and I were privileged to host in our home President (or Vice Chancellor) of Lanzhou City University Kong Qinghao and International Manager Zhang Lei Tao for three weeks recently. We know this University as Rewi Alley’s Lanzhou Bailie Oil School and his memory is still strongly remembered there where one of the schools of the University is still named after Bailie.

We were able to arrange for Dave Bromwich who was visiting Gansu at the time to call on the University during April to continue our association and explore future co-operation opportunities. President Kong has now returned to Lanzhou after sometime studying English at the Christchurch Polytechnic under an exchange programme. The current Rewi Alley scholar from Shandan was able to link up with our visitors from Lanzhou and to our surprise he was being home hosted in our street also!

DELEGATIONS ON THE MOVE

1. Shanghai Womens Federation, May visiting Auckland branch and Christchurch branch plus representatives of NZ Institute of Women and the NZ Human Rights Commission.
2. Shanghai Youxie in May visiting Christchurch, Wellington, Rotorua, Auckland Branches.
3. Prominent Persons & Society Leaders Delegation departing late August for Beijing, Pingyao in Shanxi Prov, Zhengzhou in Henan Province – nominations from Branches now awaited. Make your approaches as soon as possible to prominent people in your community especially young leaders, and remember, we are also seeking Society current or future leaders as well.

 

April 2009

FIVE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS
Don’t we love AGM’s, and my record this year is five. What a great and heartening experience being at, witnessesing and speaking to five branches recently as they review their year and elect officers for the next year. Wellington firstly and congratulations to Bernie Richmond for heading the branch for another year,  and to Bruce Asher the new Wellington Branch Secretary. Next day a delightful train ride to Masterton and Wairarapa Branch re-elected Hilton Dickens President after his part year role plus Donald Simpson as Secretary. Two smooth bus rides the next day through Woodville saw me in Hastings where I was able to see Sally Russell be re-elected President and Mike Earle Secretary of our project strong Hawkes Bay Branch.

Previously, Christchurch Branch’s AGM where Judy Livingstone was re-elected President and welcome to Annette Hill as Branch Secretary. Off to Timaru last Thursday for a meaningful planting of a  tree donated by your Society in the Chinese area of the Timaru Botanical Gardens, in memory of Val Penty, Timaru Branch President who sadly passed away in August last year. We were grateful to Bob Penty and the family for allowing us to be involved in this way, and our Chinese garden expert, Di Madgin spoke well on the unique overlooking ancient tree from China – now that’s a story she could relate next time she visits your branch. Congratulations to Brian Foley, the Branch’s new President and to Ann White re-elected Secretary again.

HEARTLAND CHINA SEPTEMBER 2009 TOUR

Good interest is being received for this outstanding tour visiting the colourful rural provinces of Sichuan, Guizhou and Guangxi as well as the urban areas of Beijing and Shanghai.  This tour,  limited to 18 people, follows up on our very successful Heartland Tour of last year and is being lead by that knowledgeable tour guide Tim Jensen.  Do contact Tim phone 0800 22 44 62 as soon as possible if you want a seat on this special Society Tour.

NATIONAL CONFERENCE, OREWA, HIBISCUS COAST 8 – 10 May 2009.
A steady stream of registrations are being received for this important event in our annual calendar. It is only one month away before we start heading off to Orewa and I do look forward to seeing you there. Speakers are firming up and the programme will be very interesting complete with relevant workshops to involve all attendees. Come and help us plan for our future and join in some excellent fellowship.

NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Have you selected your most successful initiative and achievement commenced or finished in the period 30 April 2008 to 30 April 2009 and put your entry into Trevor Linyard? We all know some branches and small teams have done some outstanding initiatives on our behalf over the last year and we do want to hear more about them. Make sure your hard workers and their efforts are recognised.

DELEGATIONS COMING AND GOING

• Shanghai Womens Federation, May visiting Auckland, Christchurch
• Shanghai Youxie, May visiting Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland
• Prominent Persons & Society Leaders Delegation Aug/Sept to Beijing, Pingyao in Shanxi Prov, Zhengzhou in Henan Province – watch for details soon calling for nominations from Branches

 

February 2009

YEAR OF THE OX
Happy New Year of the Ox ! There must be some great people born in the year of the Ox – diligent, honest, strong, docile, hard working and kind –hearted.  Although they can have a bad temper known as ‘bull headedness’ as awful as a volcano but their temper is not lost easily unless being irritated!!

NEW LOOK PRESIDENT’S NOTEBOOK
Time for a change to the format of my President’s Notebook? – any member care to develop a template with variety in layout and font to increase reader interest? Please drop me a line! Meanwhile, following requests for an earlier Notebook, I have commenced with February’s starting now at the beginning of the month.

EARTHQUAKE RESTORATION PROJECTS UPDATE

Lueyang County of Hanzhong City, Shaanxi Province - Establishment of new walnut trees for new livelihood for earthquake affected residents.  This project attracted NZ Government Koha Funding and a total of $70,440 has been sent to our partners for this project.

Feng County of Baoji city,"Honghuapu Township, Shaanxi Province - Health Clinic Reconstruction - contribution to building a new clinic to serve 6000 people to replace a destroyed clinic. This project received NZ Government Aid Funding and $71,429 in total has been sent to our partners for this project.

Pengzhou County, Sichuan Province -  Livelihood reconstruction by the repair of irrigation micro-channels being undertaken in conjunction with the repair of the main channels and a pre-condition is of local funding being available to achieve this. This project also received NZ Government Aid funding and $69,071 has been sent.

Our project partners in China for each project are either the local Women’s Federation or the Chinese Industrial Cooperatives organisation (Gung Ho). From the NZ $25,000 raised by our Society members, three projects have been funded todate to the value of over $220,000 by putting them under the scrutiny of and receiving Government funding. Great work Project Team! And there is one further project proposal still under consideration.

CALL ON CHINESE AMBASSADOR
Vice President Christine Strickland and myself were fortunate to be able to have time with His Excellency Zhang Lemin beore the Chinese Embassy Spring Festival Celebrations on Friday 23 January to update him and his staff on the Society’s activities especially with our earthquake restoration projects. A very worthwhile visit and we offered to support where possible the Embassy’s cultural activities.

YOUXIE STAFF FEBRUARY VISIT
We are looking forward to welcoming Liu Yi (Eric) and Sun Chi (Kathy) of Youxie Beijing who arrive in Auckland on Monday 9 February, spend time our Branch there, also Hawkes Bay, Wellington and Christchurch before departing on Wednesday 18 February. As it is their first experience of New Zealand we feel sure they will leave with many memorable experiences.

MORE ON THE PROMINENT PERSONS AND SOCIETY LEADERS DELEGATION last November.  Like many recent members of such delegations, I was blown away again by the welcome, the friendship plus the development that is occurring in China. Our first main activity was to attend the CHINA INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP CITIES CONFERENCE 500 people comprising 34 delegations from overseas countries and 31 delegations from within China, met in Beijing to discuss the theme “A Harmonious World: Friendship, Co-operation, Peace, & Development”

The Mayor of Cologne, Germany said, “Friendship Cities since World War 2 have increased the understanding between peoples” and what city in the World would want peace, friendship, understanding and co-operation more! Fifty two speakers spoke of their experiences and benefits of Sister Cities. China advised their twinning of cities had reached 1420 and were looking to extend this number based on three principles of: 1. Friendship, 2. Mutually beneficial co-operation between people, 3. Actual activities in inter city co-operation. A truly worthwhile conference & experience for us all.

FRIENDSHIP FORUM HUNAN
This was an excellent opportunity to learn how similar countries run their Friendship with China organisations. All spoke of their activities, how they were organised and how they responded to the call for help when the disastrous May Earthquake occurred.  Many participants were envious of the mix and youth of our delegation plus the Kiwi way of selecting our Earthquake Restoration Projects. Papau New Guinea and Vanuatu were newer attendees and were keen to make contacts and friends.

One highlight of the Forum  was the address by Mr Wang Zuoan of the State Administration of Religious Affairs Office on China’s Policy on Religious Freedom. A very frank portrayal of current policies and responses to our questions. I hope to obtain a copy of his address to put on our web site.

SHANGHAI JIEFANG DAILY GROUP NEWSPAPER DELEGATION VISIT DECEMBER
The week before Christmas and at the request of Youxie Shanghai, I welcomed the Vice President and the Editor of Shanghai’s largest daily newspaper group and their delegation to Christchurch and introduced them to the editor of the Christchurch Press.  With the World Trade Expo in 2010 being held in Shanghai, we can expect further contact from Shanghai Youxie and the media from there.

NATIONAL CONFERENCE, OREWA, HIBISCUS COAST 8 – 10 May 2009.
The registration forms are now out and I am able to advise Hon Pansy Wong, Minister for Ethnic Affairs is pleased to come and address us on where she sees the future for us. Can anyone tell us the location of any Society banners or the Kathleen Hall Scroll? Please urgently advise Alistair.

DOROTHY BROWN:   Does anyone know the contact details of this English teacher who taught in Tianjin during 1976 to 1978. Would be about 80 now. One of her students, now an internationally distinguished Professor, wants to make contact and visit her here in New Zealand later this year.

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE MEETING FEBRUARY
On Saturday 14 February all available Branch Presidents and other members of National Executive will meet for one of three in-between conference meetings in Wellington for what promises to be a very full agenda plus a chance to meet with our Youxie visitors.
           Eric Livingstone,  National President

 

November

The PROMINENT PERSONS AND SOCIETY LEADERS DELEGATION this month was an honour to be part of and lead. Youxie had an interesting programme for us including formal events and sightseeing. What a great delegation our branches had nominated and selected! The envy of many larger delegations for the youth, outgoing nature and diversity of our people. Friendships were quickly made with other delegations and experiences shared. More on our trip next month.

SOCIETY'S NATIONAL HEARTLAND TOUR
Trevor Linyard reports

"A challenging tour visiting many wonderful places. The Tour Committee excelled themselves finding many stunning places to explore including Juizhaigo, Longsheng and Zhenyuan in Gizhou Province, an extraordingary find, a possible must for all future tours in the South. "

HAWKES BAY BRANCH TOUR
Dave Bromwich reports

"14 members enjoyed an itinerary that ran according to plan apart from rerouting from landslides in West Sichuan caused by heavy rain on earthquake destabilized mountain slopes. The itinerary had a broad range of activity from traditional to hi-tech 21st century farming. A major highlight was the visit to a project village in Guangxi, meeting and socialising with local colleagues and farmers."

REGIONAL MEETING - SOUTHERN NORTH ISLAND
Early in the month, the five lower North Island Branches met in Palmerston North under the leadership of North Island Vice President Christine Strickland, reviewing the October National Executive meeting before Sally showed some of the earthquake project sites on her video camera. Then followed branch updates and discussion before all enjoyed a Chinese meal.

KIA ORA NI HAO - MAORI TELEVISION
Great to learn that this George Andrews production of six Maori students attending a Beijing experiemental foreign language high school, will be repeated at the better time of 7pm on Saturdays from Saturday December 13. Do make sure to see the six great episodes.

SOONG CHING LING FOUNDATION
Recently I congratulated the Chief Executive Officer of Fonterra for choosing the Soong Ching Ling Foundation as their vehicle for their charitable efforts following the disasterous milk scandal & offered our assistance. Andrew Ferrier responded "Its great to see an organisation, putting an emphasis on building strong relationships, especially between NZ and China. We too are committed to this relationship, & are encouraged to see that other organisations represent our views and enthusiasm. As you'll be aware the Soong Ching Ling Foundation has a proud history and is committed to the health, growth , development and welfare of children in China. ……Should we need further assistance in the future, we will be in contact with you."

Eric Livingstone, National President.

October

Our Society is On The Move - With two groups of Members visiting China during October & the Prominent Persons and Society Leaders Delegation in November!

The Society's Heartland Tour to China of 22 members led by VP Trevor Linyard set out on Friday 10 October visiting Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guilin and Shanghai, due to arrive home Saturday 1 November.

Dave Bromwich led a Hawkes Bay Branch tour during October to Sichuan, Guangxi, Shanghai and Suzhou. In Quanzhou (Guangxi), the group visited Society projects to see how they operate at grass roots level in a Ming village.

The Prominent Persons and Society Leaders Delegation heads out on 5 November for Beijing for a Friendship Cities Conference followed by a Friendship Forum in Hunan.

RECENT EVENTS
· We were delighted to welcome the new Chinese Cultural Attache Ms Wang Ougia (Olga) to our National executive meeting held in Wellington on 4 October. Olga was able to meet our National Executive and join us for lunch and discussions
· National Executive expressed its thanks to both Sally Russell and Dave Bromwich for their sterling efforts in identifying the three proposed projects for assisting with the May earthquake reconstruction and following through with the grant applications.
· Great news that the first of our Earthquake reconstruction projects, assistance with the establishment of new dwarf walnut trees cropping with higher yields to replace lost trees in Lueyang County, Shaanxi with the new young dwarf trees needing to be planted this month has been approved for the higher level of funding by NZ Aid.
· I had the pleasure of meeting and addressing the members of our Manawatu Branch on Sunday 19 October and was delighted to see Maurice and Dorothy Alley and their Grandson present plus two of our New Zealand teachers to Shandan, Josie Randall and Jill Spicer.
· Recently I met our Patron Philip Burdon and thanked him for his continuing support and encouragement. We undertook to have further contact in the near future.
· We now have extra copies of the DVD developed by George Andrews, "One Promise - One Dream" available for branches both as gifts to appropriate visitors from China and for Branch use. Please contact national Secretary Alistair Shaw.

2009 HIBISCUS BAYS NATIONAL CONFERENCE THEME
At our 4 October National Executive meeting, it was agreed to build the May 2009 National Conference around the theme CHINA SIXTY YEARS ON - CHALLENGES, CHANGES, AND PARTNERSHIP. Do plan to be there and contribute your views for our future!

Eric Livingstone, National President.

September

Our Society's Intrepid Travellers - Our Tours Representatives have returned!

Tom Mills and John Meldrum report that Beijing has been made even more exciting for visitors with new sights and experiences. And their visit to remote regions to see minority nationalities who offer tourists a chance to experience their culture will really excite future travellers.

Silk Road Tour Planned for 2009 - Yes, this favourite route is being planned for next year, so those of you awaiting this popular tour, start planning now. Plans are afoot to include new sights and experiences.

RECENT EVENTS
· Dave Bromwich represented us recently at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Hexi University, Zhangye City, in the Hexi Corridor, Gansu Province. This association will strengthen and broaden our Society's links with an area long favoured by Rewi Alley and we hope to see some of the University representatives in New Zealand before too long. Thanks Dave for your efforts for us.

· George Andrews at the request of Youxie, Beijing has made contact with the Rev Leslie Brame, a British missionary who served in Loa Shan and Wuhan from 1941 to 1945. He worked in the dispensary and his wife was the chief nurse at the Lao Shan Hospital and facilitated the rescue of some 250 allied airmen who crashed within 100 km of Lao Shan. Leslie, aged 93, lives with his daughter Gillian in Mt Eden and both are Auckland branch's newest members. A warm welcome to our Society to you both.

· We have had a withdrawal of the Wanganui nominee from the Prominent Persons & Leaders Delegation because of a family commitment and Christchurch City Councillor Yani Johanson as the first wait listed nominee, has agreed to join the delegation to visit China in November this year. Good to have you on board Yani.

· The Society's Heartland Tour to China of 22 members including Past National President Robin Brown, Past National Secretary Beverley Brown and led by VP Trevor Linyard are all ready for their departure on Friday 10 October. Great travelling!!

· With Judy Livingstone, Christchurch Branch President, I had the pleasure recently of meeting with His Excellency, Zhang Jimin and his delightful wife at a reception held by the Christchurch City Mayor for a visiting delegation from Beijing.

Message of Thanks From Bob Penty and Val's Family
Trevor Linyard, our South Island Vice President and myself last week visited Bob, the husband of our former Timaru President Val Penty who sadly passed away recently. Bob told us of the huge support from not only family but also of the many organisations Val was involved in and he was especially surprised by the number of messages from Society members and Branches all over the country. He asked that we pass onto you all his appreciation and to express his thanks for the support given by all the Branches of NZCFS and by individual members, past and present. He and his family very much appreciates everyones support.

NEW NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2009 DATES.
Due to the venues being required for a local event, our conference dates have been brought forward by one week to Friday 8 May - Sunday 10 May 2009. Mark your diary for this important event to be held for the first time in Orewa, Hibiscus Coast Bays.

I look forward to seeing Branch Presidents and other members of our National Executive in Wellington for our regular meeting on Saturday week, 4 October

August

The Olympic Dream was fantastic!
What a celebration of China's coming out. Our congratulations to all our Chinese friends on the outstanding spectacle and showcase this extraordinary sporting event became. Many many people were surprised at the advanced technology China has and employed during the Games. Past President Margaret Cooper reports that the opening was the most spectacular event she had ever seen, truly outstanding and she was honoured to be there.

Some Sad News We were shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden death from heart problems of our staunch Timaru Branch President Val Penty on the 8 August. Our thoughts and condolences go to her husband Bob and to her family. She will be missed by many as evidenced by some 350 people at her funeral.

RECENT EVENTS
· Dunedin Branch display in the Dunedin Public Library of the photographic exhibition "Beijing Welcomes You" was opened by the Mayor Mr Peter Chin. Acting Branch President Kate Miller advises the opening was a great success and turnout with the exhibition is on the library first floor within sight of all patrons, making it a draw card.
· Are you enjoying seeing KIA ORA NI HAO on Maori Television Sunday evenings 5.30pm until 7 September - tonights episode was fascinating through the students eyes!
· Christchurch Branch held an excellent Branch meeting around two videos, our own "One Promise" and one on Chinese Gardens, both well received by 28 members on a cool winters night.

Earthquake Restoration Appeal Projects
Sally Russell and Dave Bromwich have reported from the earthquake affected areas and have selected three projects to use the funds you worked hard to raise:
1. Pengzhou county of Chengdu city, Sichuan Province, bordering the epicentre, repair of an irrigation channel for growing vegetables & in a second village establishing a tea producing & a vegetable growing co-operatives
2. Honghuapu Township in Fengxiang county, Shaanxi Province
- Assisting rebuilding of a health clinic in a poor township, serving 6000 people. 3. Lueyang County, Shaanxi Province very close to the earthquake fault line
- establishment of new dwarf walnut trees that crop with higher yields and earlier to replace lost income.

Sally and Dave commented: .. driven further into the hills to see the scale of the loss - quite overwhelming with only one building not condemned, temporary housing everywhere, the PLA still there helping, landslides everywhere with huge rocks, people sorting out reusable materials from the rubble etc.

PROMINENT PERSONS & LEADERS DELEGATION
It gives me pleasure to announce we have three other Society members, Ferry van Mansum Vice President of Nelson, Ann White Secretary of Timaru, and Dave Adamson of Christchurch join me in this tour. Our six prominent people are Gordon Chesterman businessman of Hamilton, Owen Marshall Jones author of Timaru, Chris Laidlaw Regional Councillor Wellington, Matthew Lawrey broadcaster & journalist of Nelson, John Newton TV journalist of Wanganui and Nina Siers migrant settlement support officer of Hastings. A really worthy group of prominent people. Thankyou for all branches who made nominations for this years delegation.

Look! Spring is here ……… Eric Livingstone, National President

July

The Olympic Dream is almost here! 8 min to 8 p.m. on 8th of 8 th month of 2008

And what a great time it will be - watching China and its people celebrating hosting this great sporting event and showcasing their country to the world. Some fantastic news for you all - our Immmediate Past President Margaret Cooper has been invited by the Chinese People's Association for Foreign Countries (Youxie) to attend the Games opening. What a great honour for her and for our Society. We look forward to hearing from Margaret on her return and we wish her a memorable experience and trip.

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE JULY MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
· New Committees approved for China Development Activities, Tours to China, Chinese Language Liaison, and Finance
· Mondo Travel Tauranga approved (a name change)
· Web Site Upgrade proposal approved
· Special update of China Development Activities current & proposed
· Commitment of continuation in 2009 of major China Development Activities
· Hamilton Branch approved for 2010 Annual Conference and Hibiscus Coast Bays reported excellent progress for 2009 Conference
· Major conference theme sought for important year for Chinese: 2009 - Sixty years from 1949, thirty years from opening up 1979. Branch ideas welcomed!
· Regional meetings suggested for second half of calendar year
· Making of additional copies of "One Promise" DVD & new covers approved
· Beijing Welcomes You Photographic Exhibition moves Tauranga to Dunedin

MAORI TELEVISION & KIA ORA NI HAO
Remember to watch Maori Television on Sunday evenings starting 3rd August at 5.30pm for six sessions (30 minutes each) for the video produced by George Andrews that we sponsored of Maori students and their experiences over three weeks attending a Beijing High School. Did you see it being advertised this weekend on Maori Television?

SICHUAN EARTHQUAKE APPEAL
Exciting announcement at our National Executive Meeting by Rotorua President Jan of her Branch's staggering effort in raising the grand sum of $6,080 for the Society's Earthquake Appeal. What a grand result, all helped by Dr Quang Shu's generosity donating all the needs for a banquet for 250 people at the Wool Barn. Congratulations. And thanks for all those other Branches great projects and fundraising efforts for the earthquake rehabilitation.

REMINDER - PROMINENT PERSONS & LEADERS DELEGATION
Nominations from Branches for both prominent people from the community and for Society leaders to visit China in November this year as guests of CPAFFC close on Friday 1 August with our National Secretary Alistair Shaw.

Join with our Chinese friends in celebrating the Olympic Games.
Eric Livingstone, National President