On 23 May, the New Zealand China Friendship Society (NZCFS) held its 2026 National Conference and Annual General Meeting in Whanganui. Mr Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), sent a congratulatory letter to the Society, and HE Dr Wang Xiaolong delivered a video address. Mr Xie Yongjun, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy, Madame He Ying, Consul General in Christchurch, Mr Wang Junchao, Vice Consul General in Auckland, and other representatives from the Chinese Embassy and Consulates-General attended the Conference. Rt Hon Sir David Carter, NZCFS National Patron and former Speaker of the House, Mr Brett O’Riley, President of NZCFS, Whanganui Mayor Andrew Tripe, HE John McKinnon, Chair of the New Zealand China Council, and friends from various sectors also joined the event.

President Yang expressed that the CPAFFC is willing to work with the NZCFS to further explore and carry forward the precious spiritual legacy left by Rewi Alley, deepen people-to-people exchanges and cooperation at sub-national, youth and other levels, and jointly write a new chapter of the China-New Zealand friendship for the new era.

Ambassador Wang encouraged the NZCFS to serve as the custodian of Rewi Alley’s legacy and spirit, a bridge for people-to-people exchanges, and a supporter of the broader bilateral relationship. He hoped that the Society would seize the next year’s important historical milestone of the centenary of Alley’s arrival in China as an opportunity to ensure the China-New Zealand friendship is passed on from generation to generation, steadily advancing the two countries’ Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to new heights for the benefit of both peoples.

Chargé d’Affaires Xie and Consul General He reaffirmed the Chinese side’s support for the NZCFS and the broader cause of China-New Zealand friendship, and said that the Chinese side is willing to make full use of the Rewi Alley Memorial Museum in Christchurch and continue deepening the friendship between the two countries.

This year’s National Conference and AGM was held under the theme of “Our Heroes, Heritage and Horizons.” Participants reflected on the history of friendly exchanges between the two countries, shared their personal connections with China, called for further engagement and cooperation, and discussed the Society’s future plans and aspirations.