In August 2014, H.E. Mr. Noppadon Theppitak, Ambassador of Thailand to New Zealand and Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Wellington (ACW), led the heads of ASEAN diplomatic missions in New Zealand to visit the city of Christchurch. The objectives of the visit were 

               1) to render moral support for the quick recovery of Christchurch after the earthquakes of 2010-2011 

               2) to learn more about the development and re-development of the South Island’s major centre 

               3) to explore opportunities for cooperation and investments in the future and 

               4) to promote awareness and understanding of ASEAN among New Zealanders, especially as 2015 will mark the 40th anniversary of ASEAN-New Zealand Relations. 

 

               During the visit, the ACW delegation paid visits to various important agencies. On 25 August, the delegation had discussions with executives from Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce (CECC), Canterbury Development Corporation (CDC), Christchurch Airport, Education NZ, Lincoln University and Christchurch City Council. On 26 August, the delegation met with executives from University of Canterbury and Canterbury Earthquakes Recovery Authority (CERA).  On 27 August, the ASEAN Head of Missions gave a special lecture entitled “ASEAN and its relations with New Zealand” at the University of Canterbury and made a visit to the International Antarctic Centre. The visit also included meetings with other important agencies in Christchurch.

   

               The visit was successful in establishing closer ties between ACW and Christchurch and the Canterbury region, paving the way for further cooperation in the future.