Remembering Christine Ward

The former branch president of the New Zealand China Friendship Society (NZCFS), and long-time contributor to the Sister-City Coordinator group, Christine Ward, died last year. She was 80 years old.

Christine served on the NZCFS National Executive and as the Nelson Branch President from 2010-2015. At the time of her passing, she was secretary of the Nelson branch and Vice President for the South Island. 

Christine played a major role in a number of Nelson branch NZCFS projects, including community activities, sister city relationships and exchanges, and youth initiatives.   

Christine created projects connecting Huangshi and Nelson school children, she worked closely with the Confucius Institute to offer Nelson primary school children Mandarin classes, and she was heavily involved in Nelson’s inaugural China Week in 2015.  

Christine was a researcher and wrote several teaching books, including “Learning to Learn” and “Teaching to Learn”. She researched extensively on the influence of Mr Rewi Alley in New Zealand-China relations. Her work to assist in reprinting the story of New Zealand’s first Chinese immigrant, Appo Hocton, resulted in a book used in schools nationwide.  

She was highly respected in China for her education work and brought education delegations to New Zealand.  

Christine is remembered for her intelligence, wisdom, and generosity. She was a treasure for Nelson Whakatū who will be missed. 

China Week 2022: 26 September-2 October 

Nelson’s China Week celebrates and recognses our close relationship and historical links with China. See www.chinaweek.co.nz for events and details.