On the 27th of May President Li Peigen attended the opening ceremony of the Confucius Institute at the University of Canterbury, which is the second Confucius Institute co-established by HUST with universities abroad. Located on the second floor of the Modern Languages Building, the institute was immersed in complete happiness with the decoration of Chinese lanterns and knots.
Echoing with the melodious tune of Blooming Flowers and Full Moon from the traditional Chinese orchestra, the ribbon-cutting ceremony was unveiled by Prof Jarg Pettinga, acting pro vice chancellor of the University of Canterbury. Other distinguished guests included Joanna Parker, mayoress of Christchurch on behalf of her husband Bob Parker the mayor, Dr Rod Carr, vice chancellor of the University of Canterbury. The Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand Zhang Limin came all the way from Wellington for the opening ceremony.
Dr Carr reviewed the friendly relations between Christchurch and Wuhan, the University of Canterbury and Chinese universities and Chinese language teaching. He acknowledged the establishment of the Confucius Institute a great honour for the University of Canterbury. He hoped that the newly established Confucius Institute would play a leading role in promoting communication between UC and Chinese universities in all academic areas including Chinese language teaching.
Mr Zhang Limin acknowledged the achievements and contributions made by the Confucius Institute in the last six months since he and Dr Carr had signed an agreement establishing the centre in the presence of the First Vice-Premier of the State Council of the People s Republic of China, His Excellency Li Keqiang.
He especially noted the institute s contribution to this year s Chinese Lantern Festival in Christchurch and its organisation of the recent Chinese Bridge Proficiency Competition. He also expected greater achievements made by the Confucius Institute in promoting Chinese language learning and cultural communication in the south island of New Zealand.
Prof Li Peigen greatly appreciated the contributions made by the University of Canterbury to the economy, culture, and civilization of New Zealand. He noted that language learning and teaching is the key to the understanding between different civilizations and culture. He ensured that Huazhong University of Science and Technology would dedicate to the cooperation of creating a sound atmosphere for local people to acquire Chinese language, history, and development, laying the foundation for cultural communication between China and New Zealand.
Ms Xu Ling, Director General of the Office of Chinese Language Council International Hanban and Chief Executive of the Confucius Institute Headquarters, has sent her congratulation letter, expressing that the establishment of the Confucius Institute at the University of Canterbury will provide a platform for the people of New Zealand South Island to learn the Chinese language, Chinese culture and more about China. She promised that Hanban/Confucius Institute Headquarters would provide full support to the development of the Confucius Institute, and she believed that through mutual efforts, the Confucius Institute at the University of Canterbury will achieve
remarkable success, and make a due contribution to the friendly relations between China and New Zealand.
There are altogether more than 100 people attending the opening ceremony. They include officials from the education section of the Chinese Embassy to New Zealand, representatives from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, representatives from bro Confucius institutes, heads and staff from the University of Canterbury, celebrities of Christchurch educational field and some local Chinese teachers. Xinhua News Agency and some local media have reported the event with immediacy.
from left: HUST President Prof.Li Peigen,Christchurch Mayoress Joanna Parker, China's Ambassador to New Zealand Zhang Limin
and UC Vice-Chancellor Dr Rod Carr cut the ribbon at the official opening of the Confucius Institute
Prof. Li Peigen and Dr Rod Carr sign the Implementation Agreement
between the University of Canterbury and HUST
By Hu Hong
