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