Christchurch, May 24th—The unveiling ceremony of the statue of Rewi Alley was held today at the Christchurch Arts Centre. Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, together with Phil Mauger, Mayor of Christchurch of New Zealand, attended and addressed the function.  

Liu said, in 1927, Rewi Alley, a young man from Canterbury, New Zealand, set foot in China for the first time. Since then, he had worked and lived in China for 60 years, sharing weal and woe with the Chinese people and making outstanding contributions to China's revolution and construction as well as China-New Zealand friendship. Mr. Alley’s deeds and spirit still inspire us today. Christchurch has carried out extensive cooperation and forged profound friendships with many Chinese provinces and cities. This is not only a manifestation of the spirit of Rewi Alley, but also the epitome of the long-term friendly cause of China and New Zealand.  

Liu said, President Xi Jinping once commented that Mr. Alley had built a bridge of friendship between the Chinese people and the people of New Zealand, and repeatedly emphasized the need to inherit and carry forward the spirit of Rewi Alley and jointly continue the story of China-New Zealand friendship in the new era. We hope that the statue will enable more people of the two countries, especially young people, to understand and practice the spirit of Rewi Alley, actively promote China-New Zealand friendship, constantly push China-New Zealand relations to new levels, bring more benefits to the two peoples, and actively contribute to world and regional peace, stability and prosperity.  

Mauger thanked the Chinese side for donating the statue of Rewi Alley to Christchurch, saying that Alley is a symbol of friendship between New Zealand and China, especially between Christchurch and China. The Christchurch Arts Centre was once a school that Alley went to. Erecting a statue here can help us better remember Alley, the great son of Canterbury and the bridge of friendship between New Zealand and China. It also encourages the people of the two countries to inherit the New Zealand-China friendship, the precious legacy Rewi Alley left behind.  

At the event, a welcoming ceremony with Māori features and a passionate Maori war dance performance was staged. Local singer Andy Thompson sang original songs affectionately based on the life of Rewi Alley, praising Alley's contributions to China's revolutionary construction and New Zealand-China friendship. The donation ceremony was held in a friendly atmosphere and received an enthusiastic response. The statue of Rewi Alley was donated to the Christchurch City Council by China Foundation for Peace and Development. The ceremony was presided over by Yuan Xikun, a well-known Chinese painter and sculptor. The statue is located at the entrance to the Christchurch Arts Centre located in the city center.  

Wang Xiaolong, Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand, He Ying, Consul General of China in Christchurch, Matt Doocey, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality and Minister for Youth, Megan Woods, Member of Parliament of Labour Party, relatives of Rewi Alley, representatives from New Zealand China Friendship Society and friendly personages from South Island Friendship City Committee, representatives from Rewi Alley Foundation, delegations of principals, students, Chinese communities in New Zealand, and Chinese students in New Zealand were present.