November 8, 2016, Auckland, New Zealand -- On November 5, Yashili New Zealand Dairy Limited was awarded the honorary title of Charity Ambassador of the Year at the Loving Heart Gala hosted by Tianwei, New Zealand's largest Chinese-language website, and co-organized by HeartKids and Vision magazine. More than 300 guests attended the event, including Ms Zhan Yuhui, Consul for overseas Chinese Affairs from the Chinese Consulate General in Auckland, Ms Zhang Yu, Press Consul of the Chinese Consulate General in Auckland, Dr Yang Jian, MP of the National Party, Ms Melissa Lee, MP of the National Party and Mr David Seymour, leader of the Action Party.
Yashili New Zealand celebrates its first year in business on November 6, and the honorary title of "Charity Ambassador" is a recognition of the company's contribution to the New Zealand community and its active commitment to philanthropy over the past year. In April this year, Yashili donated 100 tickets to Lang Lang's Auckland piano recital at the original price of $299 for HeartKids, a local charity that helps children with congenital heart disease. In July, Yashili launched its "One Can One Dollar" campaign, in which it will donate NZD 1 to HeartKids for every can of Yashili's "Super Alpha Gold" formula sold in New Zealand supermarkets. In August of this year, Yashili also supported HeartKids Awareness Month to raise awareness of children with congenital heart defects, and announced its long-term support for HeartKids to expand its Family Support Program to ensure nationwide coverage.
Rob Lutter, CEO of HeartKids, presented Yashili with an award at the event. Zhao Yingxiang, general manager of Yashili New Zealand, took the stage to accept the award and said, "As the first Chinese brand to produce milk powder in New Zealand, Yashili is very grateful for the support and help from the local society. We also hope that we can feedback the New Zealand society and make positive contributions to the children and families in New Zealand through our modest efforts. Yashili's partnership with HeartKids will continue. On the occasion of Yashili New Zealand's first anniversary, we have decided to make an additional donation of NZD $5,000 to help more children with heart disease."
"Yashili people believe that the smallest effort can make a difference. While developing, Yashili Group is actively fulfilling its corporate social citizenship responsibilities. We also strongly support charities in China, donating millions of yuan to support children from poor areas, "Zhao Yingxiang said.
On November 6, 2015, Yashili Group, a subsidiary of China Mengniu, invested NZ $220 million to build a world-class infant milk powder production base in Pokino, Waikato Region of New Zealand. It was opened and officially put into production in the presence of New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand Wang Lutong. Yashili New Zealand has created nearly 100 new jobs for the local community, of which 90% of the employees are from New Zealand, which has really boosted the local economy. The "Super Alpha-gold" formula produced by Yashili's New Zealand factory is not only popular among Chinese mothers, but also popular among local mothers after its launch in New Zealand.
