Press Release

 

 

Chief Secretary for Administration's speech in Auckland

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The following is the speech (English only) by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Anson Chan, at the Opening Ceremony of the Hong Kong Architecture Exhibition: "The Aesthetics of Connection" and "A Fusion of Sound: Hong Kong Meets New Zealand" at Aotea Centre, Auckland today (November 6):

Your Worship Mrs Fletcher, Mr Warren, Jenny, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure to welcome you all to a taste of the sights and sounds of Hong Kong through our architecture exhibition "The Aesthetics of Connection" and a musical presentation "A Fusion of Sound: Hong Kong Meets New Zealand".

The "Fusion of Sound" - an East meets West musical journey - will take place at the Town Hall tonight and I am sure it will prove to be a big hit.

It is quite fitting that the launch of these two events should be held here, under the one roof, in one of Auckland's most well-known architectural landmarks, a building also known for its acoustic excellence.

Auckland has a rich architectural heritage which is complemented by stunning, more recent additions to your skyline. And you are fortunate that they are embraced by the many beautiful parks and gardens that provide a green haven in the heart of the city.

Unlike Auckland, Hong Kong's architectural landmarks are mostly gleaming new towers of glass and steel, standing shoulder to shoulder on a thin strip of land along the waterfront of Hong Kong Island. This panorama of pinnacles abutting one of the world's most stunning and busy harbours is an instantly recognisable icon. The constantly changing skyline has mirrored our evolution as one of the world's major trading and financial hubs, our transformation into a bustling, crowded metropolis of 6.8 million people.

Within, below and beside these buildings, a human tide ebbs and flows through an inter-connecting web. Tunnels, elevated walkways, malls, bridges, parks, office lobbies, shopping centres, escalators, stairwells. All seemingly separate yet fitting together perfectly like a jigsaw to allow free movement and access above, and under and along our streets and roads.

This makes it possible for Kiwi visitors arriving in Hong Kong - about 35,000 so far this year - to take the train from the airport and arrive at your hotel without setting eyes on our stunning skyline or the city lights.

"The Aesthetics of Connection" takes you on a journey to the very heart of Hong Kong the city. You will see how train station, bus stop, car park and airport dovetail seamlessly with the pedestrian matrix that carries the pulse of the city's beating heart: our people.

Ladies and gentlemen, take your time. Look around. Make your own, personal connection with Hong Kong and its amazing urban infrastructure.

Thank you.

End/Monday, November 6, 2000

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