On September 27, 2011, Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu met with New Zealand Prime Minister John Key in Wellington.

Hui said in recent years, China-New Zealand relations have maintained a good momentum of positive development, and leaders of the two countries have met on several occasions and reached lots of important consensus, pointing out the direction for the development of bilateral relations. Both sides have conducted fruitful cooperation on economy and trade, science and technology, education and culture, kept closer people-to-people exchanges and maintained close communication and coordination in multilateral organizations. Bilateral relations enjoy a sound political, economic and social basis and friendship, cooperation and common development have become the main theme of bilateral ties. China has always attached importance to the relations with New Zealand and is willing to work together with New Zealand to take the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year as an opportunity and push bilateral comprehensive cooperative relations of mutual benefit to achieve greater progress at the new starting point for the benefit of the two peoples.

John Key said over the past three years, bilateral relations have achieved rapid development with more dynamic pragmatic cooperation in various fields. The frequent meetings between the leaders of the two countries have played an important role in the development of bilateral relations. New Zealand is satisfied with the development of bilateral ties. As next year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, New Zealand is willing to join hands with China to push bilateral relations for greater achievements. John Key appreciated the Chinese side for extending condolences and offering generous rescue personnel and supplies following the earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand in February this year.

Both sides agreed that economic and trade relationship is a highlight and an important impetus of China-New Zealand relations. China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement has played an important role in promoting bilateral economic and trade relations and the development of the two economies. The two sides agreed to take further measures to provide necessary assistance and support for companies of the two countries.

On the same day, Hui also met with Phil Goff, leader of New Zealand's opposition Labor Party. Both sides agreed to further strengthen party-to-party exchanges and cooperation.