Sister Cities New Zealand May 2015 www.sistercities.org.nz
Workshop at Government House
Photo: Simon Hoyle
It was an honour for Sister Cities New Zealand and the wider sister city community to hold this important workshop at Government House Wellington on 9 April 2015. Sir Jerry Mateparae, Patron to Sister Cities New Zealand, shared his insights on the importance of working together to achieve global connections, both inspiring and encouraging leaders all over New Zealand to collaborate and foster the sister city movement as one. It was a memorable day for Mayors, CEOs, Councillors, Government officials, business and community leaders to share their personal stories and experiences, and discuss ideas around working together to build greater people-to-people connections between New Zealand and the world. Sister Cities New Zealand, a non-profit organisation, has reached a significant milestone and is celebrating its 35th anniversary next year. Those involved and interested in sister city work are welcome to attend our annual conference, which will be hosted by Nelson City Council in May 2016. Thank you to all those who contributed and participated in the Workshop at Government House and our 2015 SCNZ Conference, we look forward to carrying the momentous passion and energy gathered from our sister city family into the future of Sister Cities New Zealand. Hiromi Morris President, SCNZ
Sanctuary Mountain, Maungatautari, Names Newest Kiwi “Bihoro Cho” Photos: Matt Cook, Natural Heritage Manager for Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust.
By Elwyn Andree-Wiltens, Cambridge Community Board
Cambridge in Waipa District and Bihoro, an agricultural town of 22,000, in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, have grown many ties in common since their sister city relationship began in 1997.
until he’s at least 1 kilogram. Chair of the Bihoro Sister City Committee, Elwyn Andree-Wiltens, says the ceremony today arose out of a visit made to Sanctuary Mountain in June 2014 when delegates from Bihoro, Sister City to Cambridge, visited Cambridge and were able to experience a kiwi health check at Sanctuary Mountain. Delegates were so impressed with the experience they offered to sponsor a bird and requested it be named Bihoro Cho.
Now Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, Waipa’s icon conservation attraction, is strengthening the bond, with its newest kiwi chick being named Bihoro Cho, at a naming ceremony held on 24 April 2015. Bihoro Cho is a Western brown kiwi, the subspecies that still lives in forests around Tongariro National Park, Wanganui, the Western King Country and Taranaki, and have been on Sanctuary Mountain since 2005. The bird was probably born around 18 March and was found by Sanctuary
Ayako Imahashi releases Bihoro Cho into the Southern Enclosure at Sanctuary Mountain.
Mountain’s kiwi ranger, Mark Lammas with his kiwi-dog Bella, a long way from where he was hatched.
Left to right: Julie Epps, Richard Wright (Cambridge Community Board members), Elwyn Andree-Wiltens, (Chair of Bihoro Sister City Committee), Brent Nielson (delegate host), Grahame Webber, (Deputy Mayor Waipa District Council), Ayako and Ryu Imahashi
The naming ceremony was held in Sanctuary Mountain’s Southern Enclosure, 65 hectares of double-fenced enclosure inside the 47km pest-proof fence which surrounds the 3363 hectares of reserve and private land looked after by Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust. Bihoro Cho weighed 515 grams at his naming ceremony and will remain in the heavily protected Southern Enclosure
Sisters celebrate 20 years
The ceremony completed the commitment to name the kiwi. The sponsorship of $NZ1,000, was made as a donation to the Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust and certainly heralds potential for more interaction between the sister cities. Elwyn Andree-Wiltens, who is also deputy chair of the Cambridge Community Board, was joined at the ceremony by fellow board members Julie Epps and Richard Wright, Waipa District Council’s Deputy Mayor Graham Webber (also a board member), Bihoro delegation host Brent Nielson and Bihoro Sister City Committee member Ayako Imahashi and her husband Ryu. Ayako, who provides interpreting and translation services for the Sister City Committee, was the lucky person to release Bihoro Cho.
By Garreth Stevens, Horowhenua District Council
This year The Foxton-Narita Sister City relationship is celebrating its 20th anniversary. In addition to regular sister cities activities such as the annual exchange exhibition of children’s artwork, a special delegation from the Horowhenua District is scheduled to visit Narita to reflect on achievements and set a roadmap for cultural, social and educational exchange for the next 20 years to come. The Horowhenua delegation will include Mayor Brendan Duffy for the first time, a nod to the significance of the milestone. It will be Mayor Duffy’s first ever trip to Japan and includes meetings with Narita Mayor Kazunari Koizumi.
2
2015 SCNZ Conference
Photos: Simon Hoyle, Simon Park, Jess Corbett
3
2015 SCNZ Conference On behalf of the Board of Sister Cities New Zealand, we would like to thank you for participating in the 2015 SCNZ Conference in Wellington. We hope you enjoyed the diverse range of speakers, and had the opportunity to network, learn and share information and experiences with those involved in sister city work around the country. It was an honour to have such a passionate, enthusiastic and dedicated bunch of people (both young and old) to celebrate the amazing stories and achievements of our sister city family! We hope this year’s theme of “Citizen Diplomacy - Its power locally and globally” has inspired many new and innovative ways of connecting with our global neighbours. We hope you’ve been reenergized and inspired as a global citizen and an ambassador for New Zealand! Never underestimate what you do, we are all links in a bigger chain and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate, join together and move forward as one Sister City Movement! Nga mihi, Hiromi Morris President, SCNZ & Conference Co-ordinator
Bing-Ying Lou Director, Youth & Conference Co-ordinator
A big thank you to our sponsors
4
By Gail Collingwood
2015 SCNZ Conference
If the quality, abundance and choice of food was the only measure of a successful conference, the 2015 Sister Cities NZ conference held at the James Cook Hotel in Wellington would be the winner. However, not only was there great food, the conference was a success from start to finish. Mark Sainsbury made the 120 attendees from Beijing to Sydney, Stewart Island to the far north, feel welcome, involved and interested. The Programme Booklet was bright and stimulating, and the diverse and high calibre of speakers provided thought-provoking views around the theme of ‘Citizen Diplomacy’ and the power for ordinary citizens to be ambassadors for their country in their everyday lives. Amongst the highlights was keynote speaker Mike McRoberts, a familiar name for many households at TV news time. Mike presented his experiences reporting from some of the crisis situations he has found himself in. Globally from his time in Afghanistan where a friendship developed between the NZ news team and a young English speaking youth from Kabul. Closer to home was his immediate response to get to Christchurch following the 2011 earthquake, the time he spent there before suddenly finding himself in transit not to Auckland, along with his accumulated washing, but to report on the tsunami that hit Japan. [See highlights of Mike McRoberts speech here: URL: https://youtu.be/dOJNSL4_k7M] Other speakers from government, education and business sectors, as well as overseas and local community organisations also shared remarkable stories and examples of people-to-people connections, and the ability to build further economic, social and cultural relationships through such links. The second day of the conference focused on youth development, and how young people can contribute to the development of sister city relationships, with many inspiring young leaders and representatives sharing their personal stories and experiences of global exchanges. Keynote speaker Shawn Thomas, shared his views on diversity and his award winning short film, 'A Good Day', alongside many other inspirational speakers across the private, public and education sectors. Conference attendees were also treated to a live skype session and Taiko Drum performance by Lower Hutt’s sister city school in Minoh, Japan. It was great having such a high attendance of Councillors and Mayors from Far North, Waipa, Matamata-Piako, Whakatane, Taupo, Porirua, Wellington, Hutt, Christchurch, Timaru, Invercargill and Southland at this year’s conference, and seeing the appreciation and interest everyone had in each other’s involvement and contributions around sister city work. Thank you to all those involved in organising such a great event, the board of SCNZ looks forward to another amazing year of sister city work arcoss the country! : Hiromi Morris Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace : Southland Deputy Mayor Paul Duffy, Bernard Duncan (Christchurch) Gail Collingwood (Nelson), Bing-Ying Lou (Wellington), Linton Rathgen (Auckland). Edon Hoppener of MFAT will remain as Advisor to the Board. Jess Corbett
Back row, L-R: Ray Wallace, Bernard Duncan, Paul Duffy, Edon Hoppener, Linton Rathgen Front row: L-R: Bing Lou, Hiromi Morris, Gail Collingwood
SCNZ Logo Competition Sister Cities New Zealand launched a logo competition recently, a prize of $500 is up for grabs. Design a new logo - closing date is 12th July 2015. For more information the entry form is on our website, or email admin@sistercities.org.nz. URL: http://sistercities.org.nz/files/SCNZ%20Logo%20Competition%202015.pdf 5
SISTER CITY NEW ZEALAND AWARDS 2015 Sponsored by Air New Zealand A huge congratulations to the winners of the Sister City New Zealand awards sponsored by Air New Zealand.
Winner: Runner up:
Hutt City Council “Sister City Skype Project - Minoh, Japan” Gisborne District Sister Cities Committee “2014 Japanese Cultural Experience”
Winner: Runner up:
Whakatane District Sister Cities Association “Visit to Kamagaya, Japan” Wellington City Council “20th Anniversary with Sakai, Japan”
Thank you to all those who entered this year, and to Air New Zealand for their dedicated support and sponsorship of the awards over the years.
6
Winner: Hutt City Council
Winner: Whakatane District Sister Cities Committee
Runner up: Gisborne District Sister Cities Committee
Runner up: Wellington City Council
Photos: Simon Hoyle
Visit to China strengthens relationships Story provided by Nelson City Council
A Mayoral-led delegation to China was completed in April 2015, with the aim of strengthening Nelson’s relationship with an important overseas market. Mayor Rachel Reese and Council Chief Executive Clare Hadley were joined by representatives from NMIT, Cawthron Institute, EDA, China Friendship Society and Sister Cities New Zealand in visiting four different cities. The purpose of the trip was to enhance social, economic and educational links, with a significant focus on the business opportunities in the education and aquaculture sectors. Mayor Rachel Reese says the visit was an important one which allowed a deeper understanding of how we can do business together. “We are continuing to see improved links between our two countries, and it is through continued dialogue, and work by the likes of the New Zealand-China Friendship Society, that continue to strengthen these ties.” Council Chief Executive Clare Hadley says having the Nelson Mayor present in China shows Chinese businesses that Nelson is dedicated to making sure this relationship endures. “The value of having the Mayor’s support and presence with business people in China cannot be under-estimated, particularly in a culture that values relationships and trust.” As part of the trip, the delegation celebrated its 20 year relationship with sister city Huangshi and Mayor Reese says it is clear that there is a great amount of respect for this important relationship. The delegation also met students from the China University of
Agriculture in Yantai who will be travelling to Nelson later this year, which is a positive for the city says Mayor Reese. “We are seeing increased numbers of Chinese students attending NMIT which adds to diversity and vibrancy in the Nelson community. It also assists our education sector which makes a strong contribution to the Nelson economy.” “There is always more to be done to promote these relationships both here in Nelson, and in Huangshi, which is a part of the reason for China Week scheduled for later in the year, which will be promoted in both cities.”
Mayor Rachel Reese visiting the Donper Factory in Haungshi with Group Chairman Yang Baichang. Photo by Gail Collingwood.
Tui Glen School and Yushima Primary School By Edon Hoppener, MFAT
On Thursday 21 May Minister Nikki Kaye visited Yushima Primary School, Tokyo, Japan – where pupils were given the opportunity to Skype with a school in New Zealand. Tui Glen School, which has pre – existing Sister – City links to a Japanese school in Minoh City, was chosen. Students from the two schools greeted each other online – via skype – and then performed for each other a waiata as well as their schools’ earthquake drill. Edon Hoppener with students of Tui Glen School during the skype session with Yushima Primary School.
7
A visit by Mayor Endo of Nagaizumi By Cass Alexander, Wanganui District Council
Mayor Hideo Endo, from Whanganui’s sister city Nagaizumi in Japan, visited our district from April 20-23. Mayor Endo was joined on his visit by the Chairman of Nagaizumi Town Council Isao Mizoguchi and two senior staff members, Masanori Takada and Kohei Yamakawa. Whanganui Mayor Annette Main and They were welcomed at a powhiri on Putiki Nagaizumi Mayor Hideo Endo Marae and attend a Mayoral function in the Council Chambers to celebrate the relationship between our sister cities The party also visited Rutherford Junior High School and Wanganui Collegiate School to discuss the possibility of further student exchanges between our two cities. Also on the itinerary was visits to the Whanganui Regional Museum, Chronicle Glass, Whanganui UCOL and to see how a selection of innovative businesses in our district operate. Whanganui District Mayor Annette Main said: “This is a great chance for Mayor Endo to see the innovation and growth we have in our district and to get a feel for how we do things around here. I am sure he will be impressed with what we have on offer in our district, from Mayor Endo meets our kaumatua an economic and cultural perspective.”
As part of his visit, Mayors Main and Endo reopened a Japanese tea house, relocated from the Nagaizumi-Wanganui Friendship Centre in Duncan Street to Bason Botanic Gardens. They were joined at the Gardens by representatives from Nga Rauru Iwi, Wanganui District Councillors, the Bason Botanic Gardens Trust, the NagaizumiWanganui Friendship Group and students from Rutherford Junior High School. The Nagaizumi Town Council decided to close the Friendship Centre last year because it was uneconomic to run and changes in technology mean finding out about Japan is much easier than it was 30 years ago when the centre opened. The house has been relocated to a spot at the reserve which overlooks the lake and will be planted with bamboo and cherry trees, thanks to financial support by the Bason Botanic Gardens Trust. It will be open in spring to the public for traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. Mayor Endo said he was very pleased to see the tea house moved to a “wonderful place surrounded by nature“. “I hope the house continues to be well utilised as a symbol of friendship and provides and introduction to Japanese culture. The tea house is a representative of Japanese architecture which is rare to see in New Zealand.”
John Maihi
Sake tasting a hit in Nelson By Lyndal McMeeking, Nelson-Miyazu Sister City Association
Looking to create new opportunities to bring together people with an interest in the Nelson-Miyazu relationship & things Japanese, the Nelson-Miyazu Sister City Association have come across a winner. On 28 March they hosted a ‘Sake Tasting’ event for members & friends of the Association. The Nelson Japanese Society also participated & the event was a sell-out. Three sakes & and an umeshu (plum wine) were sampled, along with delicious edamame & sushi provided by Masa’s Restaurant & Sake Bar. Many
Photos: Yumiko Uda, Nelson Japanese Society
stories about Miyazu & Japan were shared & support for the re-introduction of a Japanese Conversation Group in Nelson was reinforced. A goal for future events will be to introduce guests to sake, wine & umeshu produced in Nelson’s Sister City Miyazu prior to a planned group visit in 2016 to celebrate the 40-year anniversary of the relationship. Anything is possible - where there’s a will, there’s a way. 8
Welcome to our new members Individual members: ●Bing Lou ●Libby Gosse
Council ●Napier City Council ●Palmerston North City Council
Community Associations ●Hutt Sister City Foundation Incorporated ●Hutt Minoh Friendship House Trust Japan Foundation's Photo Exhibition: (with photo rotation) Mezzanine area, Wellington City Central Library (65 Victoria Street, Wellington) Massey University Albany Campus (State Highway 17, Auckland) The Embassy of Japan and the Consulate-General of Japan in Auckland proudly present this exhibition showcasing the work of renowned nine individual photographers and one photographers’ group, presenting the viewpoints of highly individualistic photographers who represent the past, present, and future in the Tohoku region - the northeastern part of Japan. For more details, refer to URL: http://www.nz.emb-japan.go.jp (Wellington) or URL: http://www.auckland.nz.emb-japan.go.jp (Auckland)
The New Zealand China Friendship Society held its conference in Nelson 22-24 May. For the full story, follow this link to see the article published in the Nelson Mail: URL: http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelsonmail/news/68791274/chinese-cultural-artscelebrated-at-conference-in-nelson Sister Cities New Zealand - newsletter. All contributions and enquiries to editor@sistercities.org.nz Photo: provided by NZ China Friendship Society, Nelson Branch
Citizens Goodwill Tour of China - 6 March to 3 April 2015 This year a group of New Zealanders toured China - see the full report on our website: URL: http://bit.ly/SCNZ1db9gmt
9