On 27 September, the opening ceremony of the "Chinese Culture Camp— Christchurch, New Zealand" was held at Wharenui School. Acting Consul General Xu Haiyuan attended the event upon invitation and delivered remarks. Zheng Wanhong, head of the Henan delegation, Wucuiqun Zhang, Senior Advisor at the New Zealand Ministry for Ethnic Communities, Zhang Honghuan, President of the Chinese Association, Vivian Qin, President of the Christchurch Branch of the New Zealand-China Friendship Society, together with local community leaders, teachers, students and parents, over 500 people in total, participated in the ceremony.

Acting Consul General Xu stated that Chinese culture is extensive and profound with a long history. He expressed the hope that children could experience and learn the fine traditional Chinese culture through the "Chinese Culture Camp" programme, carry forward the Rewi Alley spirit, and strive to become young ambassadors for China-New Zealand friendship.

Hosted by Henan University and undertaken by the New Zealand Chinese Sentiment Culture, Art and Education Centre, this 11-day programme features a variety of wonderful courses including calligraphy and painting, martial arts, dance, and traditional ethnic musical instruments.