Celebrating 15 years of fraternity

In the 2000s, more Chinese migrated to the city and most are involved in catering. As a result of China's reform and opening-up efforts, many students opted to study in New Zealand, and some stayed.

Now, Chinese living in the country work in a number of different industries and enjoy a high standard of living, he said.

As Wuhan battled COVID-19 early last year, Lianne Dalziel, the mayor of Christchurch, sent a consolation letter to the city government, and Chinese residents donated medical supplies to Wuhan.

In addition, a group of Hubei natives in Christchurch raised the equivalent of 75,500 yuan ($11,877) to donate to Tongji Hospital in Wuhan.

Gan said he feels it is his responsibility to promote friendship between the two cities. To that end, he has been helping officials from both cities connect since the relationship was officially established, and he and his wife continue to participate in promotional events, as well as cultural and educational activities.

"We volunteer to build a bridge of international cooperation," he said. "It's not about profit or politics. We love our hometown and the people there, and it's natural to want to spread its culture."