AUCKLAND, New Zealand - New Zealand political and community leaders gathered in Auckland on Saturday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and New Zealand.

Insisting on mutual respect, mutual benefit, and win-win cooperation is an important principle to which we attribute the many achievements in our bilateral relations. 

Lei Zhen, China's vice-consul general in Auckland

"Insisting on mutual respect, mutual benefit, and win-win cooperation is an important principle to which we attribute the many achievements in our bilateral relations," said China's vice-consul general in Auckland Lei Zhen in a written speech to the event.

"As the two parties continue holding this principle, New Zealand-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will develop better and better, and benefit the two peoples more and more," Lei added.

"The mutual beneficial cooperation between our two countries is sure to bring more benefits to our two peoples," said Steven Wong, director of the Federation of the Chinese Association of New Zealand, who has been living in New Zealand for 50 years.

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New Zealand Minister for Immigration, Transport and Workplace Relations and Safety Michael Wood said, despite that the two countries' population, economy, and political systems differ, "we have had constructive relations and strong people-to-people relationships throughout the years."

Wood also expressed his gratitude to the Chinese community's contribution in promoting bilateral relations in terms of cultural exchanges, economic and trade cooperation, and people-to-people friendship.

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The celebration, hosted by the Federation of the New Zealand Chinese Association, is one of a series of activities in this year marking the anniversary.