The Government provided 3.75 million NZ dollars in funding to help develop the "must see" gardens, she said.

"This is more beautiful than I ever anticipated."

Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin said the blessing symbolized the lifting of the tapu which would allow the gardens trust soon to open the garden.

He acknowledged the dedication of site foreman Warren McKewen, who was fighting a serious health condition, the Shanghai Municipal Government, the Shanghai Museum, Ambassador Zhang and Prime Minister Clark.

He also acknowledged the "substantial contribution" he had received from Dunedin North MP Pete Hodgson and Dunedin South MP David Benson-Pope.

Also attending the blessing, done by the Anglican Bishop of Dunedin George Connor, were Kuao Langsbury, Barney Taiapa, Madame Wang, representing the Shanghai Museum, and Chinese Gardens Trust Deputy Chairman Peter Sew Hoy.

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin, Chinese ambassador to New Zealand Zhang Yuanyuan, and delegate from China’s Shanghai Museum Wang Lianfen, (from R to L), visit the Chinese garden in Dunedin, a south city of New Zealand, on June 10, 2008. (Xinhua Photo) 

(Xinhua News Agency June 11, 2008)