China-NZ Business Council Dinner

May I start by greeting everyone in the languages of the realm of New Zealand - in English, Maori, Cook Island Maori, Niuean, Tokelauan and New Zealand Sign Language.

Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni and as it is the evening (Sign)

May I specifically greet you: Your Excellency, Mr Zhang, Ambassador for the People's Republic of China to New Zealand and Madam Xiaofang ; Ms Linda Zhang, Chairperson of the China-New Zealand Business Council; Hon Dr Michael Cullen, Deputy Prime Minister; Hon Chris Carter, Minister of Education and of Ethnic Affairs; Hon Lianne Dalziel, Minister of Commerce; Hon Nanaia Mahuta, Minister of Customs; Members of Parliament, Pansy Wong and the Hon Dover Samuels; Members of the Diplomatic Corps other than the Chinese Ambassador; Mayors - present and of the recent past, Peter Chin and Garry Moore; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen.  Greetings and in the context of this evening's gathering, Nei Ho and Ni Hao.

It is with pleasure that my wife Susan and I welcome you to Government House for this dinner to celebrate 35 years of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and the People's Republic of China.

I wish to congratulate the China and New Zealand Business Council for this initiative.  It provides an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable advances made by our two countries over the past 35 years and the growing links that exist across a wide range of endeavours.  I also wish to acknowledge the work of Ambassador Zhang, and his predecessors, in helping to forge the strong, mutually beneficial relationship that we have today.

Let me begin by referring to the two Governments' real commitment to the relationship, before turning to the web of business and personal links that have come to characterise the strong relationship.

Recognition and commencement of the relationship began in 1972.  Present with us this evening is someone who was literally there.  Terrence O'Brien, then a young Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff officer, accompanied the late Hon Joe Walding on the first "New Zealand Inc" visit to Beijing in order to commence operations as a legation.  Later in time followed the first visit by a New Zealand - Prime Minister Muldoon, in 1976.  From then to Prime Minister Clark's most recent visit in mid-2005, there have been regular Heads of Government visits to China. In addition, there have been a great many ministerial visits—the most recent being Dr Cullen's visit at the end of September.  Such visits demonstrate the importance that New Zealand has placed on maintaining close ties with China throughout these 35 years.

And just as importantly, there has been a similar commitment on the Chinese side, with China's principal leaders visiting in the past four years: President Hu Jintao, in 2003, National People's Congress Chairman Wu Bangguo in 2005, and Premier Wen Jiabao, last year. 

While this high-level contact is undoubtedly important, I would also like to acknowledge the significant contributions that have been made by other groups and people dedicated to strengthening ties between our two countries. 

For example, Chinese migrants have been making the journey to New Zealand since the 1860s and have made a major contribution in almost all walks of our country's life.  New Zealanders of Chinese descent—who now number 150,000—are prominent in politics, business, the professions and wider society.  This contribution to the country and to the relationship with China is valued deeply.

New Zealanders of the past like writer, poet and educator, Rewi Alley, and Missionary Nurse, Kathleen Hall, began to forge relationships in China that have reflected very positively upon this country.  Many others, and I instance David Mahon, Vic Percival and Richard Yan have since worked in China and on the relationship, including those in the community and business.  As the model of leadership in the New Zealand/China leadership has changed New Zealanders, and I deliberately use that term, like Manying Ip and Dr James Ng and Jennifer King have played vital roles.  A tribute to those efforts is called for.

There are many organisations, both within the Chinese New Zealander community and beyond, that have worked hard to promote relations between China and New Zealand.  The New Zealand-China Friendship Association, active throughout this country, has a long history in this respect.  Together with the work achieved by organisations such as Sister Cities New Zealand, the New Zealand Chinese Association, and the Wellington Xiamen Association, enduring links have been made and are continuing.

Within the business sphere specifically, many groups and individuals have helped forge connections between, and create opportunities for, New Zealand and Chinese businesses.  The New Zealand-China Trade Association is the longest standing such group and continues to play a valuable role.  The China and New Zealand Business Council, formed just last year, is the first Wellington-based association.  I am glad to be advised that it has had a successful start.  The Kiwi Expatriates Abroad (KEA) network in China also has a contribution to make.

The relationship can be described as being at an exciting stage, with both countries' Governments committed to achieving a high-quality, comprehensive and balanced free trade agreement by April next year.  As China's first FTA with a developed country, such would be a highly significant 'first' for New Zealand, and would create the foundation for real gains in bilateral trade.  Yet to exploit such possibilities, businesses in both countries will need to be able to call on expert assistance when required.  Alongside government, the business associations I have mentioned will be vital in providing the capacity to make the most of the new opportunities.

Thirty-five years ago, trade volumes between New Zealand and China were just $7 million—today they are over 1,000 times that level, and still growing in both directions.

In recent years there has been a significant growth in the number of people travelling between the two countries and, with direct flights now available, these numbers are bound to grow.  The 2008 Olympic Games will attract New Zealand's attention as the world focuses on China's dramatic economic development and the stunning facilities it is building for the games.  Our people will learn more about China from this global event and it is to be hoped that the successes of Olympians will be those of China as well as some of our own. 

In conclusion, I am pleased to be given this opportunity to restate New Zealand's commitment to growing the strong relationship with China, building on the firm foundation provided by the first 35 years of diplomatic relations.  To our Chinese guests I say: Ganbei!

On that note, I will close in Maori by issuing greetings and wishing everyone good health and fortitude in your endeavours. No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tena koutou katoa