The annual placement of two pediatric specialists from Xiamen in Wellington Hospital, which was organized with the assistance of WXA, was for many years a productive and professional connection between our two cities. Most recently, exchanges involving painters, sculptors and photographers organized by WXA have resulted in wonderful exhibitions of art in Wellington and Jimei. Every year, WXA has been involved in the local celebrations surrounding the Chinese Spring Festival.

Thanks to these efforts, many people in Wellington are aware of the city's relationship with Xiamen and have developed a better understanding of Chinese life and culture. People from Xiamen who are living and working in Wellington, including the Mandarin Language Assistants working in our schools, have become our friends.

During my time as Vice-President and President of Wellington Xiamen Association, I have had the opportunity to travel to Xiamen many times. Xiamen has always welcomed me and made me feel at home, or as the locals say, hěnshūfú很舒服.

In 2013, the focus of my work shifted and I stopped traveling to Xiamen. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic and no one was traveling anywhere. Fast forward to 2023, when the invitation came to attend a friendship forum in Fujian, my first thought was to add a few days to the trip so that I could see my friends in Xiamen again.