On the morning of January 24, 2008, Standing Committee member and Vice-Chairman of the National People’s Congrees, Xu Jialu, while in New Zealand, paid a visit to Auckland’s Confucius Institute. Among those accompanying Mr. Xu were Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand, Zhang Yuanyuan and Chinese Consul General Ma Chongren. Professor Stuart N. McCutcheon, President of Auckland University and member on the Confucius Institute headquarters Board of Trustees along with Auckland University’s Vice-President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Auckland Confucius Institute, Dr. Christopher Tremewan and others, welcomed Mr. Xu on his visit.

Vice-Chairman Xu started off by hearing a synopsis of current conditions as well as a work report from the President of Auckland’s Confucius Institute, Yao Zaiyu. The Vice-Chairman praised the Institute for the vast amount of work accomplished in its first year of operation, showing special interest in the middle school Chinese programs and Chinese language competitions recently put into place. With great delight, Mr. Xu leafed through a collection of compositions taken from last year’s Writing Contest, organized by Auckland’s Confucius Institute, showing his strong approval for the accomplishments of the last year.

Later, waves of applause swept through the audience as New Zealander Sandip Kumar (Confucius Institute student) performed a song by his favorite Chinese singer, Jay Chou (Zhou Jielun). Following, Vice-Chairman Xu stopped by the Chinese Calligraphy Classroom, looking over instruction materials and taking time to speak with students and teachers. Mr. Xu gave high praise to both teachers and students for their respective love for the promotion and learning of the Chinese language, as well as expressed his high hopes for and encouragement to all.

Finally, Vice-Chairman Xu presented a public lecture at Auckland University entitled “Unity in Diversity and Disharmonious Uniformity—Starting With Chinese Traditional Medicine”, attracting listeners from both the university and the surrounding community. Mr. Xu began by introducing the rich cultural background behind Chinese Traditional Medicine’s unique approach to healing. His words on the greatness and depth of Chinese Traditional Culture met with a warm reception on the part of lecture attendees.