WELLINGTON, June 8 (Xinhua) -- The New Zealand Charitable Association (NZCA) set up its South Island branch on Saturday in Christchurch aiming to support the local Chinese community and help those in need.

Chinese Consul General Wang Zhijian told the launching ceremony that the NZCA provided great support for disaster relief after Christchurch's deadly earthquake in 2011. Wang also praised the contribution of the charitable association to China's poverty alleviation.

Wang hoped the NZCA South Island branch will promote the wellbeing of the local Chinese community, contribute to New Zealand's multicultural development and boost the exchanges between China and New Zealand's South Island.

Zhong Weiren, the director of the NZCA South Island branch, said the branch will go deep into the local communities and inject new vigor into various local Chinese events and activities.

Christchurch City Councilor Jimmy Chen said the NZCA has showed great support for the local Chinese community and contributed to the multicultural development of the city of more than 170 ethnic groups.

Chen said the love, caring and solidarity displayed after the Christchurch terrorist attacks in March demonstrated the importance of the city's multicultural strategy, which has long been shown in NZCA's charity spirits.