On 25 February, Consul General Chen Shijie attended Chinese New Year Reception Hosted by Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO), Sydney, and made a remark. Over 150 people, including Hon. Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay, Mayor of Auckland Wayne Brown, Deputy Mayor of Auckland Desley Simpson, New Zealand Members of Parliament Carlos Cheung, Nancy Lu, Director of HKETO, Sydney Ricky Chong and representatives from Chinese and Kiwi business communities joined the event.

In his remark, Consul General Chen recalled the achievements in China's economic and social development and China-New Zealand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024. He emphasized China’s willingness to share with the world the benefit of its super-scale market. With the motherland’s strong backing, Hong Kong will continue to be a vital force in China’s ongoing journey of reform and opening-up. The Consulate-General of China in Auckland will continue to support Hong Kong and New Zealand in expanding exchanges and cooperation in economic, trade, people-to-people exchanges and other fields.

The lion dance and youth chorus performances at the event won rounds of applause. The guests and hosts raised their glasses to wish a better future for Hong Kong and greater China-New Zealand relations.