A new lobby group to foster the relationship between New Zealand and China has been launched.
The establishment of the New Zealand China Council follows the Government's strategy to boost investment between the two countries, which significantly lags the boom in trade since free free trade deal came into force in 2008.
The council will be chaired by Sir Don McKinnon and includes former Prime Minister Jenny Shipley, Professor Sir Peter Gluckman and Sir Graeme Harrison.
Chinese investment has been controversial in recent times, mainly due to the proposed sale of the Crafar farms to Shanghai Pengxin.
However a number of central and local government led delegations have visited China to promote trade and investment.
