Sister Cities is a programme of pairing cities around the world to promote co-operation, cultural understanding and economic development.

For more information about this concept go to www.sistercities.org.nz

Our Sister Cities

Akitakata-shi, Hiroshima, Japan

An agreement was signed on  9 September 1992 between Takamiya Town Hiroshima Ken and the Selwyn District Council.

Takamiya has since amalgamated with five other surrounding areas to form Akitakita-shi which has agreed to continue the Sister City relationship.

Our objectives through the exchange of education, cultural and industry knowledge are:

1. The promotion of understanding through friendship between both Districts.

2. The enhancement of friendship between New Zealand and Japan

3. As a contribution towards world peace and prosperity.

Shandan County Government - Gansu Province - China

A letter of invitation from The Mayor was extended to the Vice Governor of Shandan County in December 2008.

On the 26th November 2009 an historic connection was formally verified with the signing, in the Council Chamber, of a sister-city agreement by Zhou Xue Zhong, Director of the Standing Committee of the Shandan County People’s Congress, and Kelvin Coe the Mayor of Selwyn District Council.

During the visit the Director and his delegation spent time in Selwyn district visiting schools, farms and local businesses.

The accord serves to foster cultural interaction between the two regions initially linked by a common association through New Zealander Rewi Alley, born in Springfield in 1897. Rewi, through his literary writings on Chinese industry and communist philosophy, became an icon in the Shandan County, Gansu Province, China where he lived for 60 years.

Yubetsu-cho, Hokkaido, Japan

A Friendship District Agreement between Yubetsu-cho and Selwyn District Council was agreed on 14 July 2000.  This relationship exists with the Malvern District and is facilitated by the Malvern Community Board.

For further information contact sistercities@selwyn.govt.nz

Sister Cities New Zealand

Sister Cities New Zealand
National Office  
c/- 20 Singers Road
Korokoro
Wellington
New Zealand

Ph. 04 586 3145, Fax 04 586 3144
Email: enquiry@sistercities.org.nz

Connect to the Sister Cities website here