Auckland businesses fundraise for Canterbury

Over 170 people from the Auckland business community raised almost $4000 towards the Canterbury Earthquake Appeal at the third Hong Kong Festival 2011 – Celebrate Hong Kong banquet held at the Langham Hotel on Thursday, 18 August.

Mr Felix Lee, President of the Hong Kong New Zealand Business Association which hosted the Festival, said they would like to echo the Hong Kong Government’s donation towards New Zealand’s Canterbury Earthquake in February.

“We have auctioned three of Mr Laurence Lai’s photos collection, capturing Hong Kong’s old Kai Tak Airport taken in the 90’s, the iconic Victoria Harbour night view, and an image capturing festivals of Hong Kong.

“Mr Lai is a leading photographer in Hong Kong who has kindly donated the three photos in support of our charitable event.

“We have also auctioned off three bottles of wine donated by Yealands Estate, which were signed by Auckland Mayor Len Brown at our Festival opening earlier in the month, and a limited edition necklace donated by Agatha.

“We hope that the fund raised will bring a bit of warmth to the Canterbury community in the midst of New Zealand winter.”

Director for Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office, Mr Steve Barclay believe the Hong Kong Festival helps celebrate closer relationship of Hong Kong and New Zealand with fascinating and interactive events in the last two weeks.

“New Zealand and Hong Kong has strong economic and cultural links. The signing of important agreements helps bring both closer together.

“There are already agreements on wine and audio visual products, and with the recently included double tax agreement and the Closer Economic Partnership (CEP), it gives extra incentives for New Zealand businesses to do business in Hong Kong.

“In the next 18 months an investment protocol will be signed with the aim to boost investment opportunities in both shores.”

Mr Lee, said he was grateful for the continuous support of HK Economic and Trade Office and HK Trade Development Council towards the event.

“Hong Kong is of great importance to New Zealand people, she plays a vital role in the Asian economy.

“It does not tussle with China or any other economies in the neighbourhood, but enhance and support each other’s.

“HK can be the soft landing cushion for NZ businesses as they springboard into Mainland China or other parts of Asia”

Festival Director, Raymond was thankful for all the support towards the Festival this year, as the 2011 programme diversified to include different audience, meanwhile we continue to bring entertainment to the wider general public.

“We have kept the all-time favourite, Cinema Hong Kong, which brought our movie lovers 16 titles this year, up from eight last year. These included two from the classic Shaw Brother’s era in the 60’s and 70’s and four short titles from the Hong Kong Baptist University, none of these have never been shown in NZ cinemas before.

“Reaching out to a younger audience, we have introduced Career Hong Kong which presented working opportunities in Hong Kong for those who are interested in developing their career aboard.

“This week on 24 August, we also have the honour to introduce a breakfast event with Hon Bill English to our local business community.”

Mr Suen calls this an exciting time as the Festival can truly bring Hong Kong closer together with the help our partners and supporters.