Hon John Key, Prime Minister of New Zealand

Mr. and Mrs. Ng

Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen

Good afternoon to you all.

It is a great pleasure for me to attend the opening ceremony of the Chinese Art and Calligraphy exhibition by Lillian and Alan. This is not only a show of Chinese arts, but also a show of love of Chinese community and Chinese people for the people of Christchurch. When they suffered in the earthquake, we also felt the pain. Different kinds of donation were immediately made in the Chinese community. So I am very pleased to join you to wish this charitable exhibition a great success. Please allow me on behalf of the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Auckland to express our appreciation to Lillian and Alan and congratulation to the opening of the exhibition.

Lillian and Alan are well-known artists in the Chinese community. They have been working hard to pursue wonderful career in arts both in Hongkong and here in Auckland. I am sure their paintings will help local people here to know more about the Chinese painting and Chinese culture. And I certainly hope that the art auction will render more assistance to the people of Christchurch.

Thank you.