N E W S L E T T E R June 2018
SCNZ Conference 2018, Lower Hutt By Linda Goss-Wallace, International Relations and Project Manager, Hutt City Council The 2018 New Zealand Sister City Conference, hosted by Hutt City Council was held at the Arise Centre in Lower Hutt. The city is known within the Wellington region as Technology Valley being home to over 800 science and technology businesses and home to a number of Crown research companies. This year’s conference theme was “Connecting Globally through Technology” which attracted delegates from all over New Zealand and International delegates came from as far away as Japan, China, United States and Australia. The working sessions prior to the conference opening were well attended. A Mayoral forum for Mayors and elected members discussed opportunities to strengthen Sister City relationships between New Zealand and countries. The opportunities of more regional based relationships were also discussed. One of the keynote speakers His Excellency Jesus Domingo Ambassador for the Philippines spoke about Citizen Diplomacy and how Sister City relationships had benefited so many countries. The Ambassador said he was encouraged by the goodwill and enthusiasm New Zealand had for such relationships. The Chief Executive of Local Government New Zealand, Malcolm Alexander spoke about the role of Local Government
in opening doors for International relationships and the importance of Mayors in particular. Kerry Boyle gave an overview of the successful methodology Whanganui sought through his consulting, to prioritise its international efforts. In the Community Forum, a host of interesting discussions took place from local deputy Principal of Tui Glen School, Jade Stent who shared updates about their successful Skype programmes and outbound student visits with Minoh, Japan. Tempe Sister Cities delegate David Carrera gave an overview of a longstanding relationship with Lower Hutt that had a regular student exchange for the last 37 years and explained how it had remained strong and vibrant. Amber Walters and Paul Duffin gave great examples of the importance of community groups in the success of Sister City relationships. The Welcome Ceremony started with a traditional Maori pōwhiri and official welcome by hosting Mayor, Ray Wallace which was followed by a cocktail evening that enabled delegates to get to know each other and network. Over the following two days, the Conference had a number of keynote speakers from the Science and Technology industry, Local and Central Government, MFAT and the Diplomatic Corp talking on a range of topics involving technology and how that can benefit Sister City relationships in the future. The SCNZ Air New Zealand Awards Dinner was held at the Award winning Pencarrow Lodge. Set on the eastern coastline above the Wellington Harbour capturing views of the south island and the most amazing winter sunset, made
Photo by Simon Hoyle
N E W S L E T T E R June 2018
SCNZ Conference 2018, Lower Hutt continued... it a breathtaking location for the awards. During the evening, Hiromi Morris, President of Sister Cities New Zealand thanked the Embassy of Japan for their sponsorship toward the Awards Dinner and CLAIR Sydney for their continued sponsorship and support of the Conference. A presentation was also made to Mr Qi, the Deputy Secretary General of Taizhou Municipal People’s Government to acknowledge the 10 th Anniversary of their Sister City relationship with Lower Hutt. Delegates enjoyed a buffet dinner and local musicians during the evening amongst the Awards announcements. Saturday’s programme included a passionate presentation from Sister City Youth Programme Director Elisha Hsiao about the recent Youth Tour to China, which also involved some of the young students who answered questions as they shared their amazing experience. A large number of
students attended the conference on Saturday, from across the Wellington Region and Palmerston North. Master of Ceremonies, Darren Ludlow wound up the conference on Saturday afternoon which was followed by lunch and a surprise performance by the Phillippine International Dance Troupe who were touring New Zealand. Post Conference tours treated delegates to the experience of behind the scene tours of Te Papa and Weta Cave and Workshops. Conference organiser Linda Goss–Wallace said “The Conference gave delegates the chance to share experiences and success stories. I’m sure delegates would have left the conference feeling energised and ready to commit to the Sister City philosophy of building strong “People to People” relationships with communities of other countries to learn from each other, to celebrate our differences and similarities and make lifelong friends.”
2018 SCNZ Awards recipients sponsored by Air New Zealand CATEGORY A: Best Project Youth/School
CATEGORY B: Best Project Community
CATEGORY C: Best Project Local Government
Winner: The Hutt Sister City Foundation Name of project: 2016-17 Tempe Sister City Student Exchange
Winner: Hutt Minoh House Friendship Trust Name of project: Hutt Japan Day 2017
Co-Winner: Auckland Council Name of project: Fukuoka Friendship Garden
Runner-up: Nelson City/NZ China Friendship Society (Nelson Branch) Name of project: NelsonYangjiang Student Cultural Exchange
Runner-up: Wellington Xiamen Association Name of project: 2017 – Year of Celebration – Wellington & Xiamen 30 years
Overall Winner: Auckland Council
Co-Winner: Local Government New Zealand Name of project: NZ China Mayoral Forum Runner-up: Wellington City Council Name of project: 2017 Mayoral Trade Mission
CATEGORY D: Best Commercially-focussed project Winner: Palmerston North City Council Name of project: Manawatu Business in Asia Forum Runner-up: Wellington City Council Name of project: NZ China Business Forum
Appreciation from the Board By Hiromi Morris, SCNZ President On behalf of the Board of Sister Cities New Zealand I would like to thank everyone who participated in our annual Conference held in Lower Hutt. Sincere appreciation to Mayor Ray Wallace and Hutt City Council for hosting the Conference. Special thanks to Linda Goss-Wallace and Cr Glenda Barrett for their commitment and the enormous amount of time spent behind the scene, to organise such a wonderful event. Also I would like to acknowledge M/C Darren Ludlow, all the speakers, members from the Lions Club, Wellington Xiamen Association and Whitireia photography students for their contribution. It was a big success to provide an opportunity for sharing stories, discussion and networking
with a wide range of oranisations including overseas delegations from CPAFFC (Beijing), CLAIR Sydney, Hanzhou (Zhejiang Province) and 3 of Lower Hutt’s sister cities, Tempe (USA), Minoh (Japan), and Taizhou (China) which marked their 10th anniversary this year. This made the Conference special. Generous sponsorship from Air New Zealand, Embassy of Japan and Japan Local Government Centre (CLAIR Sydney) is also appreciated. 2019 Conference will be in Palmerston North and we would like to ask for your continued support.
N E W S L E T T E R June 2018
Wellington Region strengthens its partner region relationships Jennifer Zhou, Wellington City Council On 25 May, Wellington City Council welcomed a senior official delegation from Zhejiang Province, Wellington Region’s strategic economic partner in China. The commission was led by Mr Xiaoping Chen, Vice Chairman of Zhejiang province and was made up of senior representatives from the Zhejiang provincial government and business leaders. With Sister Cities New Zealand’s support, Wellington City with Hutt City, Porirua City and Kapiti District Councils established a strategic economic partnership with China Zhejiang Province in September 2012. The partnership agreement focuses on increasing trade, study links, cultural exchanges and the mutual understanding between Zhejiang and cities in the Wellington Region. During their stay, the delegates had a meeting with representatives of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa to discuss possible collaboration in the forthcoming China-New Zealand Year of Tourism. The
group had attended the launch of Wellington Region and Zhejiang Children’s Art Exhibition at the Wellington Central Library and the 2018 Sister Cities Awards Dinner in Lower Hutt. Ms Hiromi Morris and Hutt City Mayor Wallace extended a warm welcome to the group on behalf of SCNZ and Hutt City Council. The Wellington Region and Zhejiang Children’s Art Exhibition has been organised with support from Zhejiang Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Department, Wellington City Council and Sister Cities New Zealand. Children from schools have painted, drawn and created their favourite things about Wellington and Zhejiang. A total of over 130 pieces of children’s artworks from Te Aro Primary School and Jiangnan Experimental School of Hangzhou, Zhejiang were displayed at the Wellington Central Library and the Arise Centre along with SCNZ youth tour photos during the sister cities conference in Lower Hutt. The exhibition has now been proposed to be displayed at the Pataka Art Museum in Porirua.
Top left: Mr Xiaoping Chen with Ms Sue Clement, Principal of the Te Aro Primary School at the Exhibition. Top right: Zhejiang group photo at Te Marae in Te Papa, taken by Tom Yuan Bottom left: Mr Xiaoping Chen, leader of the Zhejiang delegation with representatives from WCC, the Chinese Embassy, the Chinese Cultural Centre In New Zealand, Te Aro Primary School and local community groups at the launch of the Wellington Zhejiang Children’s Art Exhibition. The Chinese calligraphy banner says “New Zealand – Zhejiang friendship lasts forever” in this photo was prepared by Jiangnan Experimental School of Hangzhou, Zhejiang. It was presented as a koha to the Te Aro Primary School by Mr Chen at the event. Photos by Tao Meng of Homevoice
N E W S L E T T E R June 2018
SCNZ Youth Tour: China By Michael O’Neill, SCNZ Youth Subcommittee Eight outstanding high school students representing the Wellington region travelled to China for the inaugural Sister Cities Youth Tour from 16 to 27 April. The Youth Tour, aimed at immersing delegates in the cultural, social, educational and business life of the Wellington region’s sister cities in China, saw the group visit five cities: Beijing, Taizhou, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Xiamen. Led by SCNZ Youth Subcommittee members and fluent Mandarin speakers Elisha Hsiao and Michael O’Neill, the eight Year 11 to Year 13 high school students from Wellington Girls’ College, Queen Margaret College, Hutt International Boys’ School, and Chilton Saint James School took the unique opportunity not only to develop their own leadership skills but also gain firsthand experience of different aspects of life in modern China while promoting our New Zealand’s Sister Cities relationships. Starting in Beijing, delegates had the opportunity for a Q&A session with the NZ Deputy Ambassador David Hope and Second Secretary Thomas Appleton in which they learned about the New Zealand-China relationship. They then got to visit some of Beijing’s most famous sights including the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. The delegation then travelled by high speed train to Taizhou, a Hutt Sister City, where they visited China
Medical City and Jiangsu Province Taizhou High School while staying with local homestay families. They then went to Shanghai where they met with a number of successful locally-based New Zealanders, learning about the study and work life of China, followed by a visit to the Bund and finally a seminar and Q&A session with the CEO of major Chinese investment firm Tronfund. In Hangzhou, a city famous for its beautiful West Lake, delegates stayed with local families and experienced the daily life of high school students in China, participating in classes and sharing aspects of New Zealand culture with Chinese students. The final destination, Xiamen, featured a visit to the VUW-partnered Xiamen University and a day of exchange activities with one of the top middle schools in Xiamen. Sister Cities New Zealand launched its Youth Subcommittee in April 2016 when it celebrated the 35th anniversary of its establishment. The Subcommittee initiated the Youth Tour and started planning later in 2016 with full support and partial funding from the SCNZ Board. As a by-youth-for-youth engagement programme for young New Zealanders, the Tour has enjoyed the enthusiastic support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Wellington City Council, Hutt City Council, Asia New Zealand Foundation, Where’s Charlie and the New Zealand China Friendship Society Wellington Branch.
N E W S L E T T E R June 2018
ANZAC Day in Le Quesnoy - Sister City to Cambridge By Sue Milner, Waipa District Councillor, Cambridge Community Board and Le Quesnoy Sister City Committee Le Quesnoy, our sister city in France is a special place for All New Zealanders in France, the town of Le Quesnoy liberated on November 4, 1918 by the NZ Regiment. The Story is told in a stained glass window in St Andrews in Cambridge, and in Le Quesnoy they have commemorated Anzac Day ever since.
under which so many Returned Servicemen marched every Anzac Day. The other slide, that moved a girl raised in Sumner, was a view of the Lyttelton Heads, seen by many leaving and returning to the South.
There is a big presence of Kiwis here in Le Quesnoy this year. There is the Tag Along Tour Group, a Group from high schools in Invercargill, and independent tourists like Ray and I .
The standard was high and moving for all the New Zealanders present.
We are being hosted by Alain and Marie- Christine who have stayed with us in Cambridge as part of a group from Le Quesnoy on 2 visits. As Kiwis we are being shown the sites of the Great War ,including the significant ramparts(city wall) designed by Vauban in the 17th century and was the scene of the Kiwi ingenuity ,when the son of a vicar of Cambridge and others improvised a ladder to scale the wall and in a few hours had liberated the town from German occupation. We have visited War cemeteries, the Wellington Quarry at Arras and other towns that are forever part of our New Zealand Story. Yesterday afternoon there was a choral concert with a New Zealand theme - When the Poppies Bloom, featuring our National Anthem in Te Reo MÄ ori and English as the songs told the liberation story. The second piece was The Armed Man, reflecting on the tragedy of war, it was accompanied by beautiful slides including The Bridge of Remembrance in Christchurch,
These items performed to full house of largely French people by local residents.
In the evening the Cambridge Le Quesnoy association hosted a wonderful dinner for us all. This morning there was a Dawn Service conducted by the NZ Embassy and NZDF, many locals attended and aside from the translation of speeches into French, it was a truly NZ event with representatives present also from the other Allied Forces which served in the Great War. Later there is another service in the centre of town, I will lay a wreath on behalf of the Cambridge Community Board. In November there will be an even bigger Commemoration - for the Liberation of Le Quesnoy, and then the Armistice that ended hostilities. Cambridge Community Board and Waipa District Council will be represented. A huge thanks to the people of Le Quesnoy who continue to keep the traditions of Anzac Day, and who cherish their connection with us. It is very special to share it with them.
N E W S L E T T E R June 2018
Hamilton and Chengdu, China: sister city updates By Justine Allen, Civic and International Events Manager, Hamilton City Council April and May were busy and productive months for the sister city relationship between Hamilton and Chengdu, China. April saw local Hamilton artist Jeremy Shirley invited to Chengdu by the Municipal Government to take part in the Chengdu International Sister Cities Sculptures Creation and Exhibition Program. Jeremy along with other international sister city participants travelled to Chengdu to be inspired by the city. Each artist will now design plans for a large scale sculpture which will be constructed in Chengdu and installed in a variety of green lanes which make up the Tianfu Green Lane Project. At the invite of the Chengdu Municipal Government also, May saw a Hamilton delegation visit Chengdu as part of the 2018 Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fair.
The delegation which included leaders from the University of Waikato was led by Deputy Mayor of Hamilton Martin Gallagher, and Hamilton City Councillor Rob Pascoe. Highlights of the visit included the Deputy Mayor speaking at the Innovation Forum for Mayors of International Sister Cities of Chengdu, and attending a soil turning event at Luxe Lakes for the Chengdu Hamilton Luxe Lakes School and Kindergarten project that is currently under construction (thanks to an MoU signed in 2017 between the University of Waikato and the Tianfu New Area). Also visiting Chengdu in May was Hamilton City Council staff member John Kinghorn (Intelligent Infrastructure Systems Engineer) who was invited by the Chengdu Municipal Government to take part in the 2018 Summer Programme for Civic Servants from Sister Cities of Chengdu.
Above: Deputy Mayor of Hamilton Martin Gallagher ((Middle Row, 10 across) with fellow overseas delegates at the 2018 Innovation Forum for Mayors of International Sister Cities of Chengdu
Above and above right: Hamilton city delegates, NZ Consul General, Tianfu New Area Management, Chengdu Foreign Affairs Office at launching ceremony for the Chengdu Hamilton Luxe Lakes School and Kindergarten project.
Secondary Schools Japanese Speech Competition By Yoshi Isoyama, Vice President, Dunedin-Otaru Sister City Society & competition convenor The annual secondary school Japanese speech competition was held at our usual venue: the Otaru Room in the Civic Centre between 4:30pm and 7:30pm. Eleven students from four high schools in the Otago/Southland area participated in three categories: Junior, Senior, and Alternative. We had the privilege of observing some very talented speechmakers again this year.
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PRE SE N TS
THURS 28 JUNE 6.00 - 7.30PM
KÅŒrero 2018 PANEL DISCUSSION Christchurch City Council
International Connections: A Youth Perspective www.scnz.org.nz facebook.com/sistercitiesnz