Right Honourable Sir David Carter, National Patron of the New Zealand China Friendship Society,

National President Brett O’Riley,

Honorary Patron Simon Deng Li,

Your Worship Andrew Tripe,

Your Excellency John McKinnon,

Carl Bates, Members of Parliament,

Friends from the New Zealand China Friendship Society,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Kia ora!

Apologies for not being able to join you at the AGM in Whanganui. And thank you for the opportunity to speak to you in a pre-recorded message, and to reflect on the remarkable legacy of those who devoted themselves to China-New Zealand friendship, and to look ahead with confidence to the future we are building together.

The Society is meeting at a time when the China-New Zealand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership continues to move forward and has become a fine example of how countries with different histories, cultures, and social systems can respect one another, cooperate constructively, and achieve shared prosperity. High-level exchanges between our two countries remain close and productive, providing strategic guidance for the bilateral relationship. Practical cooperation across trade, agriculture, education, tourism, science, and other fields continues to deepen, and at the same time, people-to-people exchanges are flourishing, strengthened by more convenient travel and growing mutual understanding between our peoples.

The theme of today’s conference — “Our Heroes, Heritage and Horizons” — is a reminder that the future is best built upon an understanding of the past. And when we reflect upon the history of China-New Zealand friendship, one name stands out: Rewi Alley.

In 1927, Rewi Alley travelled across the ocean to China and made it his lifelong home away from home. For six decades, he stood shoulder to shoulder with the Chinese people through times of hardship and transformation, dedicating his energy, compassion, and talent to China’s revolution and development. President Xi Jinping has described him as a great friend of the Chinese people, and this is a fitting tribute. Rewi Alley transcended differences of geography, culture, and ideology to become one of the earliest and most devoted bridge-builders between China and New Zealand. The spirit he embodied remains one of the most precious foundations of our bilateral friendship.

The Spirit of Rewi Alley continues to speak powerfully to us today. It represents an internationalist vision rooted in concern for the well-being of humanity as a whole. It reflects moral courage — the determination to adhere to what is right and stand firmly on the side of justice and fairness. And it embodies a commitment to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and win-win cooperation, grounded in the belief that countries prosper when they develop together rather than at one another’s expense. These values have become even more meaningful in today’s world.

At a time when the international landscape is marked by growing uncertainty and division, it is especially important that we carry forward this legacy with sincerity and determination. We should champion dialogue over confrontation, cooperation over zero-sum rivalry, and mutual respect over prejudice and misunderstanding. By drawing inspirations from those who came before us, we can continue to build a future worthy of their vision.

It is in this spirit that, through the efforts of Sir David Carter and other members of the Society, together with our Embassy and Consulates-General in New Zealand, the Rewi Alley Memorial Museum was officially opened in Christchurch last year. Chairman Zhao Leji of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress attended the opening ceremony during his official visit to New Zealand. I would also like to acknowledge the strong support from the Society, friends from all sectors, and the Christchurch City Council. Since its opening, the Museum has welcomed visitors from New Zealand and around the world, becoming an important place for people to learn about Rewi Alley’s extraordinary life and the enduring tradition of China-New Zealand friendship.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Society itself was established with the encouragement of Rewi Alley. Since its founding, it has played an invaluable role in preserving his spirit, deepening friendship between our two countries, and strengthening connections between our peoples.

Even before the establishment of diplomatic relations, members of the Society worked tirelessly to maintain people-to-people ties and cultivate mutual goodwill. After diplomatic ties were established, the Society continued to make important contributions through sister-city partnerships, youth exchanges, cultural programmes, and the preservation of the stories of Rewi Alley, Kathleen Hall, James Bertram, and many others who devoted themselves to strengthening the friendship between our two nations.

Next year will mark the centenary of Rewi Alley’s arrival in China — a milestone of profound significance. It will not only be an opportunity to honour the memory of a great pioneer and deepen understanding of our shared history, but also a new starting point from which to renew our commitment to China-New Zealand friendship. Our Embassy and Consulates-General will continue to work with the Society and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries in organising commemorative activities in both countries. We hope this centenary will inspire more people, especially the younger generation, to carry forward the spirit of friendship and cooperation that Rewi Alley represented.

Looking to the future, the Society has an even broader role to play, at least at three levels:

First, as the custodian of Rewi Alley’s legacy and spirit. More people, particularly young people, should come to understand his story and the values he stood for. In doing so, we can inspire a new generation committed to friendship, mutual understanding, and international cooperation.

Second, as a bridge for people-to-people exchanges. Through cooperation in areas such as local government, education, culture, tourism, sports, and youth engagement, the Society can help strengthen the societal foundation of the bilateral relationship and deepen understanding and trust between our peoples.

Third, as a supporter of the broader bilateral relationship. Drawing on its long-standing credibility and unique role, it can help amplify the mainstream voices of friendship and cooperation, promote mutual understanding, reduce misunderstanding, and encourage constructive management of differences, thereby safeguarding the positive momentum of China-New Zealand relations.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The tree of friendship planted by Rewi Alley many decades ago has grown deep roots and flourishing branches. Today, as we stand at a new historical juncture, we should remain true to the founding spirit of China-New Zealand friendship, carry forward Rewi Alley’s legacy, and work together to deepen exchanges and practical cooperation across all areas.

By doing so, we can continue to advance the China-New Zealand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to new heights, deliver greater benefits to our peoples, and make a meaningful contribution to regional peace, stability, and shared development.

In concluding, let me congratulate Brett O’Riley and other members of the new team on assuming leadership of the Society for the next two years. We from the Embassy and Consulates-General look forward to working closely with you for our common cause.

Thank you.