It is my pleasure to join you here today.
We are gathered to honour the efforts of a wonderful colleague and friend.
Professor Hu has been at the helm of the Confucius Institute since it first opened its doors in 2010 - 6 years ago.
I understand that this is a record that has earned her some fame at home in China - usually Deputy Directors only serve for between 2-4 years!
We are gathered to honour the efforts of a wonderful colleague and friend.
Professor Hu has been at the helm of the Confucius Institute since it first opened its doors in 2010 - 6 years ago.
I understand that this is a record that has earned her some fame at home in China - usually Deputy Directors only serve for between 2-4 years!
Back in 2010 the Institute had just a handful of staff and faced big challenges to introduce Chinese language and cultural programmes into our educational institutions right across the whole South Island.
Now the Institute is 35-strong and they are working with more than 90 primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.
This is truly remarkable growth in such a short time frame, and is largely due to Professor Hu's passion, work ethic and diplomatic skill.
Connections and cooperation between Christchurch, Canterbury and China are very significant.
It is vital that we develop and nurture an understanding of the history and culture of China.
It is important that more of us learn to speak Chinese. It is through the language of a country that we truly access the culture.
In that regard the Confucius Institute has done a great deal over the past six years to add real depth to the lives of students from all across the South Island.
Professor Hu, I know that you have personally made significant sacrifices for the sake of your work here.
You and the Institute have endured the earthquakes and ongoing rebuild efforts.
It has been a trying time for us all, and you have my gratitude for the commitment you have shown to our city.
While we will miss you very much, I feel very happy knowing that you will be able to again be with many of those people who are closest to you.
And you needn't worry about the future of the institute - I am sure that everything you have worked for is left in safe hands with Adam and your replacement Deputy Director Jiang.
You have left an indelible legacy, and the influence of the Confucius Institute is spreading right across our city.
Your presence is certainly felt at the City Council - I know that Jack wouldn't be where he is today without your tutelage and support.
On behalf of our city, thank you for all that you have done. You are always welcome here and I hope that you will come back to visit in future years.
I wish you all the very best for the future.
Now the Institute is 35-strong and they are working with more than 90 primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.
This is truly remarkable growth in such a short time frame, and is largely due to Professor Hu's passion, work ethic and diplomatic skill.
Connections and cooperation between Christchurch, Canterbury and China are very significant.
It is vital that we develop and nurture an understanding of the history and culture of China.
It is important that more of us learn to speak Chinese. It is through the language of a country that we truly access the culture.
In that regard the Confucius Institute has done a great deal over the past six years to add real depth to the lives of students from all across the South Island.
Professor Hu, I know that you have personally made significant sacrifices for the sake of your work here.
You and the Institute have endured the earthquakes and ongoing rebuild efforts.
It has been a trying time for us all, and you have my gratitude for the commitment you have shown to our city.
While we will miss you very much, I feel very happy knowing that you will be able to again be with many of those people who are closest to you.
And you needn't worry about the future of the institute - I am sure that everything you have worked for is left in safe hands with Adam and your replacement Deputy Director Jiang.
You have left an indelible legacy, and the influence of the Confucius Institute is spreading right across our city.
Your presence is certainly felt at the City Council - I know that Jack wouldn't be where he is today without your tutelage and support.
On behalf of our city, thank you for all that you have done. You are always welcome here and I hope that you will come back to visit in future years.
I wish you all the very best for the future.