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NZCTA Southern Update

Commentary

By Michelle MacWilliam

We have said goodbye to a lumpy year in the South Island and I would imagine our Christchurch membership have the finest Risk Management plans for natural disasters in the country. NZCTA had several inconveniences with venues being closed for earthquake repairs and as a result our functions were infrequent in 2012.

In spite of the challenges we instituted a programme of formal meetings and informal banquets which were very successful and boded well for 2013.

2012 saw the 40 years of Sino-New Zealand diplomatic relationship being celebrated. To this end the Southern membership enjoyed the kind hospitality of the newly opened Christchurch Chinese Consulate-General under the leadership of Consul-General Madam Tan in early November.

In December, two Christchurch based members attended a corporate banquet with the Christchurch China Sister Cities Committee (Gansu Province and Wuhan City) celebrating the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between New Zealand and China and the 1st anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Consulate-General in Christchurch. Over 120 people attended this unique event and both Christchurch International Airport Ltd and China Travel Services - Christchurch maximised this unique opportunity from a networking perspective for all involved.

NZCTA is committed to supporting its members and those with a trade based interest with China being either inward or outward from Christchurch and the wider South Island and I will serve as your point of contact.

Pictured: A “thumbs-up” Mayor Parker with Madam Tan and guests at the banquet.

Michelle MacWilliam is a director of Duo Communication Ltd, specialising in developing successful relationships with Chinese business partners. Presently Duo Communication Ltd together with the Confucius Institute based at Canterbury University have developed a selection of tailored courses to assist both New Zealand and Chinese Business interests from the perspective of cultural understanding in building long term business relationships both in New Zealand and China.
Michelle is a current member of Export New Zealand and the Chamber of Commerce in Canterbury, a committee member for the Christchurch Sister Cities Gansu Province and a mentor with Business Mentors New Zealand.