Education
Training, seminars, publications and community education in Chinese medicine.
Christchurch · Aotearoa New Zealand
Advancing Chinese medicine in New Zealand for the public benefit.
Through education, research, cultural heritage and community wellbeing.
About the Trust
An exclusively charitable trust, established in Christchurch in 2026.
The New Zealand Chinese Medicine Development Trust was established by Trust Deed in February 2026 and registered with Charities Services in May 2026. It exists exclusively for charitable purposes within New Zealand: advancing education, health, research and cultural heritage in Chinese medicine, and supporting community wellbeing.
CC64611Registered charity
Donee statusApproved by Inland Revenue
Not-for-profitNo private benefit
Our Purposes
What the Trust works towards
Safe Practice & Health
Advancing health by promoting safe and evidence-based Chinese medicine practices.
Cultural Heritage
Exhibitions, museum collaborations and cultural projects, including One Million Silver Needles.
Research
Advancing research and academic collaboration in Chinese medicine.
Community Wellbeing
Supporting community wellbeing initiatives related to Chinese medicine.
Intercultural Exchange
Facilitating international and intercultural exchange, consistent with charitable purposes.
Featured Project
One Million Silver Needles
一百万银针
A community-led, non-commercial cultural heritage project bringing together more than one million acupuncture needles, and the stories behind them, from practitioners across New Zealand. The collection preserves the professional memory of Chinese medicine and its migrant history in Aotearoa, and builds bridges of understanding between cultures.
1,000,000+needles collected
200+NZ practitioners took part
Canterbury Museumaccepted for preservation
Give to this project
Account number01-0635-0417897-02
ReferenceSilver Needles + your name
Account name: NZ Chinese Medicine Development Trust. Donations to this account are used only for the One Million Silver Needles project.
上工治未病
“The superior physician treats illness before it arises.”— Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic)
Governance
Our Trustees
Trustees act collectively under the Trusts Act 2019 and Charities Act 2005.
Thomas Lin
Chair / TrusteeThomas graduated in medicine from Guangzhou Medical University in 1991, moved to New Zealand in 1994 and founded TCM Chinese Medical Centre in Christchurch in 1996. A Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and Tuina, he brings more than three decades of clinical experience.
He served as Vice President of Acupuncture New Zealand from 2011 to 2020, has served as an Independent Advisor to the Health and Disability Commissioner since 2005, and has more than 20 years of committee experience in professional and community organisations. He is the Founding President of the Christchurch Guangdong Association and the initiator of the One Million Silver Needles project.
Michele Moore
Trustee & SecretaryWith a degree in plant and environmental science, and a rich background in high school and university education, Michele brings a deep, research-based perspective to the study of complementary health.
For the past four decades, she has explored complementary medicines from around the world, driven by the belief that traditional healing practices offer valuable, accessible alternatives to modern pharmaceuticals. As a long-standing committee member and digital administrator for the Canterbury Herb Society, she combines botanical knowledge with community outreach. Michele is passionate about empowering the public with knowledge of and access to Chinese medicinal therapies, helping individuals discover new pathways to enhanced health and well-being.
Guanhua Patrick Guo
Trustee & TreasurerGuanhua Patrick Guo is a registered Chinese medicine practitioner with nearly 30 years of clinical experience in New Zealand. He holds a Bachelor of Medicine from Guangzhou Medical College and a New Zealand National Diploma of Acupuncture (Level 7). He founded Christchurch Acupuncture Centre in 1999 and has practised there since.
Patrick is registered with the Chinese Medicine Council of New Zealand and has extensive experience in clinical practice, business management, community leadership and governance. He is a founding member and current President of the Christchurch Guangdong Association, where he has served in various leadership roles since 2007. He is committed to advancing Chinese medicine and contributing to the wellbeing of New Zealand’s diverse communities.
News
2026
Trust Deed signed by founding trustees
One Million Silver Needles Donation Ceremony at Canterbury Museum
Registered as a charity, CC64611
IRD approved donee status granted
First Trustees’ Meeting held
Donate
Your gift helps grow Chinese medicine awareness in Aotearoa
The Trust is on Inland Revenue’s list of approved donee organisations. Eligible donations may qualify for a donation tax credit for individuals or a tax deduction for companies, subject to Inland Revenue requirements.
Bank transfer
Account nameNZ Chinese Medicine Development Trust
Account number01-0635-0417897-00
Reference“Donation” + your name
For a donation receipt, please email nzcmdt@gmail.com with your full name, donation amount, donation date and payment reference.
Contact
Get in touch
We welcome enquiries from the public, the media, practitioners, supporters and partner organisations. Please email us and a Trustee will reply as soon as possible.
- General enquiriesQuestions about the Trust and its work.
- Donations & receiptsDonation receipts, or questions about giving to the Trust.
- One Million Silver NeedlesTaking part in the project, or sharing your story.
- Partnerships & mediaCollaboration, events, schools and media requests.