On the evening of July 29, Political Counsellor Qu Guangzhou attended by invitation the fund-raising dinner for Wellington’s Chinese Garden (the Garden of Beneficence) project, sponsored by the Wellington Chinese Garden Society, and delivered a speech. Over 200 people attended the event, including National Party MP, Dr Yang Jian; Wellington City Councillor, David Lee; Wellington Chinese Garden Society Chairman, Harvey Wu; representatives from the overseas Chinese communities as well as relevant groups in Wellington.
Chairman Harvey Wu firstly briefed to the audience the progress of project approval and fundraising for the Chinese Garden in Wellington, calling for support from the wider community and active donations for the completion of the project at an early date.
On behalf of Ambassador Wang Lutong, Political Counsellor Qu noted in his speech that the Garden of Beneficence has received great support from the local Chinese community, as well as generous donations from Wellington’s sister cities in China, including Xiamen, Beijing and Tianjin. The Chinese Garden project will not only showcase New Zealand's multicultures, but also a symbol of friendship between the two countries and the two peoples.
MP Yang Jian noted that the construction of the Chinese Garden in Wellington is of great significance not only to the local overseas Chinese but also to the multi-culture of Wellington. Wellington City Councillor David Lee said that Chinese immigrants settled in Wellington for over 150 years, and the overseas Chinese community has made a significant contribution to the development and progress of New Zealand society. The construction of the Chinese Garden could remind future generations of the historical contribution made by the overseas Chinese while becoming another landmark of Wellington.
The event raised a large amount in donations from the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand, and other organizations and individuals. The guests actively participated in the fundraising auction held by the event sponsor. The atmosphere of the event was warm.