Elliott Charng, head of the Taiwan legation to New Zealand, made careful note of his country’s role as one of the top tier holders of foreign reserves when he spoke in Wellington on the occasion of the 100^th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of China in 1911, the first republic in Asia, and which relocated to Formosa, now Taiwan, 61 years ago. Speakers including retiring MP Keith Locke noted Taiwan’s longtime active relationship with New Zealand, and especially the nation’s rapid deployment of equipment and earthquake rescue specialists to Christchurch.

In the photograph are Mr & Mrs Elliott Charng with guests National Press Club operations director Rex Benson and Gail Isaac.