Opening of the NZIS Visa Office

Mr Ying Yichui, other distinguished guests from the Shanghai city government, elders of Te Haahi Ringatu, Wharekaihua Coates, Rangitukehu Paora, Te Kahautu Maxwell, honoured representatives of New Zealand's universities, the students of Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Hoani Waititi, ladies and gentlemen.

The opening of this new Visa Office marks a significant development in the relationship between New Zealand and the People's Republic.

It demonstrates the willingness of our two countries to make it easier for the ordinary people of our two nations to visit each other, to meet each and to learn from each other.

We hope this new office will be a gateway for your young students to the beauty and resources of New Zealand. It is unique in that New Zealand usually has only one immigration office in any country.

It is a sign of the importance we place on our efforts here that we now have offices in Shanghai and Beijing.

New Zealand is eager to play a major role in educating the future leaders and opinion makers of China.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank publicly the consular and immigration staff from New Zealand who have worked so hard to arrange for the opening of these new premises. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

May I also introduce to you Mr Bolen Ng, branch officer in charge of the visa office of the New Zealand consulate here in Shanghai.

I hope you will keep him extremely busy in the years to come.

I therefore have great pleasure in officially declaring open the Shanghai Visa office of the New Zealand Immigration Service.

(Waiata)

And now I would like to propose a number of toasts:

To the enduring friendship of the peoples of New Zealand and China; To the success of this new office and to Ying Yichui.