Sister Cities New Zealand - newsletter August 2008

People to People NewsBrief AUGUST 2008

Sister Cities NZ Inc. Reviews its Role As the umbrella organisation for the sister city movement in New Zealand, SCNZ Inc. endeavours to support the full gambit of international community opportunities with very limited resources.

Valued assistance has come from such organisations as New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and Asia New Zealand Foundation for project work in recent times, but day to day operations are restricted by a low income stream. Mindful of the limited time available for the National Office to be staffed, the Board recently redefined its core activities as: 1. The conduct of an annual Sister Cities Conference 2. Practitioner Workshops held at least annually in each island 3. The maintenance of a resource base comprising news, sample documents, best practice methods and a comprehensive record of sister city activities – built around the website and Aichi Manual.

4. A database of members and like-minded organisations and individuals for distribution of information via an enhanced but infrequent (6 monthly) newsletter 5. A ‘matchmaking’ service for communities at home and abroad seeking a sister city – a monthly e-update containing the opportunities and other topical matters.

The Board recognises that for New Zealand to really benefit from the potential of our sister city network, and for the rest of the world to in turn gain from more interaction with our great nation, inputs are required at a whole new level.

On 15th August President Peter Tennent and Executive Officer Brian Cross attended a meeting called by the Ministry of Economic Development to discuss support for local efforts in developing our sister city links and networks. The meeting was attended by representatives of several government departments, Local Government New Zealand and other interested agencies. It covered such burning issues as: • What are we all doing now?

• Are there better, more efficient ways of doing what we do?

• Who should be doing what?

• What opportunities are being lost?

Discussions were very positive and the meeting reaffirmed the important national as well as local-level value of our sister city links. We now await with interest the Government’s response to our case put for a higher level of involvement. But at the same time as it is seeking to engage further at the national level, the Board stays ever mindful that sister cities are about communities, and local councils are the critical link in the chain of grassroots success.

Hastings and Guilin, China A Special Occasion Hastings is the setting for the wedding of Chen Yanyan (Caroline) and Gan Dan (Daniel), from the Longsheng District of Guilin, which will take place in the city’s Osmanthus Garden on 20 September ‘08.

The wedding is part of Hastings’ Ultimate Challenge competition. Caroline and Daniel won the Guilin section, their prize being a trip to their sister city for their marriage.

The garden wedding will be followed by a service at historic St Matthews Church, and a reception with entertainment. Tickets to the afternoon and evening of celebration are available to the public.

Contact Councillor Kevin Watkins on 0277 3046213 or email kvwatkins@xtra.co.nz

From the President’s Desk I write this as the world focuses on Beijing and the Olympics.

The triumphs, the pride, the joy, the absolute heartbreaks….. all emotions are on display. But above all else, it’s a time to reflect on the positive difference that can be achieved when the world comes together. Such is the philosophy behind the sister city movement. We are all in a unique position to make a huge positive difference. When people interact…. when people take the time to learn from each other….when people take the trouble to understand other cultures….when people realise we all share the same global village – anything is possible!

Every day I am heartened by the work being done at the coalface to make those connections, and to create those opportunities. Too often that work goes without formal recognition, and too often that work is the subject of illinformed criticism.

The reality is we need to lift our game when recording our endeavours. Whether it’s time, energy, or resource expended into international relations it’s not hard to show the benefits – but we are not good at recording those benefits. Visitors to our communities, delegations to our friends offshore, opportunities created….things that are happening as a direct result of our involvement. As an organisation we will be asking more and more for your input. That will be less about appeasing the naysayers, and more about learning from each other and leveraging opportunities across the country from community initiatives.

You’ll also note we have decided as a board to focus our activities on core business. It’s important that what we do, we do well! But – we are also committed to ensuring that absolutely every opportunity that can be leveraged from our international relations is pursued. We need to work closer with central government and the other agencies involved in international relations to ensure that happens. You’ll also note those discussions are happening, and we will keep you informed of outcomes.

Finally, I’d like to thank Brian Cross for his unfaltering commitment to this organisation. Brian took over the operational reigns from Jeremy Dwyer. He has served on the board, and continues as our Executive Officer (that’s a flash title for working 24/7 and being compensated for 5 hours a week). Brian has given of his own time to drive a number of the organisation’s projects, involving everything from all facets of the Aichi Project, to driving visiting groups around the country, to looking after the first of our tours, to answering calls and emails at all times of the day and night….the demands have been somewhat significant! As we structure the organisation to core business, Brian has signalled his intention to step back from the role, yet remain a committed advocate. Brian is covering us on a week by week basis as we consider other options for the delivery of the operational role. Brian – on behalf of our members, and communities around the country, thanks!

To you all again my thanks – individually, and collectively you continue to make a huge positive difference. If you ever have a suggestion or idea you think I or the Board could assist with, our contact details are attached.

Kind regards Peter PETER TENNENT Mobile: +64 (21) 759610 E-Mail: peter.tennent@npdc.govt.nz

Sister Cities New Zealand’s Preferred Carrier

www.sistercities.org.nz

Conference Update The 2008 Sister Cities Conference in Rotorua was themed “Tatou, Tatou- We Together”, and that was certainly the case for those in attendance, who enjoyed a wonderful range of speakers and activities. Part of the programme was dedicated to CLAIR’s Annual Australasian Forum, which this year focussed very much on sister cities and the benefits of people-to-people exchanges across all nations and societies. The CLAIR Forum presentations are at http://files.alphamedia.co.nz/clair/ Plans are well underway for our next annual conference, to be held in Cambridge during April 2009. Mark your diaries now!

New Zealand’s Sister City movement has recently been represented at two international conferences. Directors Bill Woods and Graeme Barsanti attended Australia’s conference in Gosford, New South Wales during July, and Bill also found time during a private visit to USA to attend the Sister Cities International event in Kanas City, Missouri. It is important that we consistently have representation at international forums, where a wide ranges of issues, the challenges as well as the opportunities, are explored.

Japanese Government’s Core Leaders in Civil Society Programme In 2008/09 Sister Cities NZ will again support the Japanese Government’s Core Leaders in Civil Society, this year teaming with the Whakatane community to deliver the programme. This November, nine volunteer workers engaged in Care for People with Disabilities in Japan will visit New Zealand to experience policy and best practice in our society.

Practitioners Workshops Two very succesful regional workshops were held in 2007, supported by our members in Christchurch and New Plymouth. These workshops aim to assist Sister City volunteers and council staff engaged directly in exchanges, by broadening the network of like-minded people, sharing best practice and mentoring.

The Board recognises the importance of these workshops to complement the annual conference, and is planning further workshops for late 2008. One will be held in each island, and further information will follow.

News from Members In October, Marlborough will conduct an official visit to both its sister cities in Japan.

Tendo, Yamagata Prefecture is celebrating 50 years as a city, and Otari in Nagano will be conducting a festival in honour of its New Zealand links. The delegation will be led by Mayor Alistair Sowman and include a number of community representatives. The visit is also timed to combine with Marlborough’s annual school exchange trips to Tendo and Otari.

Wanganui’s link with Nagaizumi was supported for many years by businessman Tomonobu Nakamura. The Nakamura Scholarship Fund, concluded in 2007, enabled Wanganui students to regularly visit Nagaizumi to experience its culture.

Pictured are members of the final scholarship group, being farewelled in Wanganui, September 2007.

A link between Hawera in South Taranaki and Ueki, Kyushu, Japan, demonstrates that there is a lot more to our international community linkages than those traditionally based around official agreements at council level. An informal but very close relationship exists between the two rural communities, built around educational exchange and the benefits young people gain by interacting which contemporaries of a different society.

A happy group from Ueki after a fishing trip around New Plymouth’s Sugar Loaf Islands.

Contributions to the NewsBrief are invited. We welcome newsy items about your sister cities and exchanges, and opinion regarding New Zealand’s Sister City network

2007/08 exchange participants catch up in Tokyo

A return delegation comprising Kiwi practitioners in Care for the Aged and Young People as well as Disabilities will visit Japan to share their knowledge.

Applications for places on the delegation are currently open and members are encouraged to make the information known within the local communities. The programme is fully funded by the Government of Japan.

For further details on the Core Leaders Programme contact the National Office

New Directors for SCNZ The Board welcomes to its ranks Hiromi Morris and Hemi Matenga, elected members at the 2008 AGM in Rotorua. Both are based in the Wellington region.

Hiromi is President of Wellington Sakai Association.

Hemi is a Porirua City Councillor.

Tours to our Sister Cities SCNZ members Christchurch City Council and Wellington Xiamen Association are both currently promoting tours to their respective sister cities. Christchurch is conducting a 10 day tour to Kurashiki, Japan in October 2008, to celebrate the 35th anniversary of their sister city, the first between New Zealand and Japan. In the same month, Wellington Xiamen Association is organising a combined cultural and business visit to China, including Wellington’s sister cities Beijing and Xiamen.

SCNZ is also supporting two general tours in 2009 – China in April and Japan in October. Following on from the very successful ‘Springtime in Japan’ earlier this year, both are in the planning stages and will be advertised widely. Their programmes will include visits to famous attractions and also a taste of local cultural activities organised around the hospitality of our sister city friends. Overnight destinations will be in selected sister cities, organised in discussion with members.

Top Photo: Five Pavilion Bridge in Yangzhou, sister city to Porirua and a listed destination for the ‘China on the Inside’ tour in April 2009 (photo: Geoff Marshall).

Bottom Photo: Members of the 2008 Japan Tour group attended an English language conversation class in Otaru, sister city of Dunedin.

Further details on all tours are on the SCNZ website.

Timaru and Eniwa

New Zealand / Japan’s latest Sister City

EO’s USA Study Visit In May 2008 SCNZ Inc. Executive Officer Brian Cross was a guest of the USA Government as part of its Volunteer Visitor Leadership Programme, operated by the State Department. The Programme is designed to introduce foreigners to USA society, with up to 5,000 people invited each year from all around the world.

Brian’s tailored programme began in Washington DC with meetings at the State Department, Sister Cities International and the Government of The District of Columbia, followed by a series of visits to selected communities on the West Coast. These included Sacramento, Palm Desert, Huntington Beach and Los Angeles, all of which have sister cities in New Zealand.

“The visit was a great opportunity to meet the people of USA”, said Brian. “Discussions with officials and conversations during home hospitality are far more valuable in better understanding the USA than relying on the media for information. Discussions on our sister city links show that while there are some major differences in the way we operate, when it comes down to people-to-people, our aims and aspitrations are just the same.”

Brian was particularly impressed by the humanitarian nature of many USA sister city activities, with their numerous connections with communities in developing countries. He believes the visit demonstrated that we have an untapped resource in our USA sister city links, and urges NZ communities to remain focussed on making the most of them.

Mayors Annear and Nakajima sign the agreement in Timaru on 15th February ‘08

In February 2008 Timaru and Eniwa became New Zealand/Japan’s newest sister city partners, when they formalised a link that has existed for some years. Well known for the retail outlets each community has it its partner city, Timaru and Eniwa now engage in a wide range of cultural and educational as well as economic activities.

In marking the occasion, Mayor Nakamura stated “New Zealand is a model for us, and we can learn a lot from you”. Mayor Nakamura has a particular interest in city beautification, education of pre-schoolers and zero waste, and has worked for Eniwa to implement programmes based around New Zealand examples introduced through the link with Timaru.

If we are not addressing your News Brief correctly or you would prefer to receive it by email please contact enquiry@sistercities.org.nz

Los Angeles Council member Tom Labonge (left) presents SCNZ’s Brian Cross with an LA City Certificate of Welcome. Also pictured are Acting NZ Consul Terry Baker and Los Angeles – Auckland Sister City Chairman Rod Dixon.

Nelson Sister City Champion Retires After more than 30 years’ active involvement in local sister city activities, Pat Jones retired earlier this year as Nelson’s volunteer Sister City Coordinator.

Pat’s’ community role in working to develop Nelson’s international links is the essence of sister cities.

“The benefits go far beyond the friendships made. Official exchanges explore arts and culture, visit schools and establish business contacts,” she explains. “I have so many wonderful memories and enduring friendships from my sister city work, but I’m most proud of the people-to-people relationships we have helped to bring about between Nelson and her ‘sisters’ around the world.

Seeking Sister Cities in NZ The Wellington Xiamen Association Inc. Mission to China, October 2008

The Wellington Xiamen Association and the China-NZ Business Council are proud to announce a combined business and cultural mission to China, including Shanghai, Chongqing, Beijing, Guangzhou and Wellington’s sister city of Xiamen.

Current programme runs from 6 to 26 October, and is timed to allow participants to visit Phase 1 of the Canton Trade Fair, featuring Consumer Electronics, Electronic and Electrical Products, and Computer and Communication Products. Participation is open to all businesses, although the programme will be tailored to suit ICT, digital content and education companies.

For further information and to register your interest, please contact Chris Lipscombe on 021 732 912 or chris@ground-zero.co.nz

Statistical Record-Keeping of Sister City Activities Members are reminded of the importance of recording our sister city activities. Statistics are a valuable tool in assessing current levels of peformance, forecasting future trends and needs, and as a permanent record of past activity for both archival and measurement purposes.

Good records on past exchanges and other sister city projects help to quantify the benefits of international links at the local level – the true value to our communities is as we all know periodically debated in public. The need for information is voiced regularly at conferences and in surveys.

SCNZ Inc. designed and distributed a set of statistical recording templates (with examples) in conjunction with the 2007 update of the Aichi Manual. On receipt of sufficient local records to create a meaningful overview, we will be able to collate the figures collected locally to provide a national set of information. For further discussion on this, please contact the National Office.

Aichi Project Conclusion Funding from New Zealand Trade & Enterprise for the three-year Aichi Project concluded in June 2008.

Significant milestones achieved during the project included increased general awareness of our wonderful network of links with Japan, and the Aichi Manual as a permanent and ongoing resource for recording sister city policy and best practice exchange activities.

The project is in its concluding stages with further publicity material and a full report being prepared. Despite

the end of funding, the aim of SCNZ is to maintain the manual with annual updates, and extend its reach to include exchange activities from throughout our global sister city network.

SCNZ Inc. takes the opportunity to thank all those members and other agencies and individuals who have supported this valuable project.

SCNZ Inc. has recently received enquiries from India, Japan, China, Hungary, Korea, Italy, Brazil, Ghana, Turkey and USA regarding possible links in NZ. Some enquiries have been direct, while others have come via agencies such as authorised representatives living in NZ and our diplomatic missions overseas.

Discussions are underway in some cases, and we look forward to some new sister city links being announced in the near future.

Further information on the range of international connections currently available is on the SCNZ website.

Grassroots Survey The 2007/08 Grassroots Sister City Survey, funded by Asia New Zealand Foundation has now been completed.

The survey is the second comprehensive study of our link activities, the opportunities they present and the challenges they face. The survey findings are available at www.sistercities.org.nz/Editable/ news/grass-roots-survey.

SCNZ Inc. extends its appreciation to Asia New Zealand Foundation for its valuable support, and to the councils who assisted with the project by completing their survey forms.

Meetings of the SCNZ Board The SCNZ Board meets at least quarterly to consider matters of policy and topical interest. Generally, these meetings comprise one in Wellington early in the calendar year, a second at the annual conference venue immediately on its conclusion, at which new members are welcomed, and the remainder during the year by telephone conference to limit costs.

Board membership currently includes, in addition to elected members (listed at www.sistercities.org.nz/Directorate), a Youth Advisor and representative of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Resourcing and Supporting Sister Cities New Zealand Inc.

Contact Details: National Office, 20 Singers Road, Korokoro, Wellington, New Zealand Ph. +64 4 586 3145, Email: enquiry@sistercities.org.nz WWW.VKA.CO.NZ 80794h/08/08