China to build Little New Zealand

A 25-hectare replica New Zealand city is to be built in China's Shandong province.
The NZ $400 million New Zealand Gardens initiative, nicknamed Little New Zealand, is being built in the Chinese city of Qufu and will include a Maori village and education complex.
Anthony Wilson from Awataha Marae, which is a partner in the project, says the development is part of Qufu's overall expansion plan.
Wilson says the Little New Zealand project will create hundreds of jobs for Maori people, stating âas part of the deal, we will be providing all of the cultural performers.
âWe will be also providing labour staff and also providing all the carvings.
"So all the cultural artworks will be done here in New Zealand and be shipped up and be part of the New Zealand Gardens experience."
The project's most ambitious goal is for Chinese to enjoy the experience so much that they want to come and visit the real thing.
New Zealand Tourism Ministry spokesman Bruce Bassett says while the government has no formal links to the project, the initiative could potentially boost long-haul tourism.
"Like a lot of things, if it's done well it can contribute to awareness of New Zealand, and people going there experiencing that sort of attraction could say, 'Well, let's go and see the real thing'.
"The China market is New Zealand's fourth-largest market in terms of visitor arrivals, so it's pretty important and a fast-growing market."
Little New Zealand will also seek to build on ancient links between China and the Maori people, which began 4,500 years ago when Polynesians began their migration from Asia.
The first stage of the New Zealand Gardens project is due to be finished in June next year.