Mayoral delegation to support Chinese relations

7 April 2016

Mayor David Trewavas and Councillor Rosie Harvey are leading a trade delegation next month to further strengthen the Taupo District's economic ties with China.

The pair will be joined by a representative from Ngati Tuwharetoa and several local business leaders. The delegation will visit Taupo District's friendship city Shaoxing and sister city Suzhou, as well as Hangzhou and Shanghai.

Mayor David Trewavas said the aim of the trip was to leverage the district's relationship with China and to support local businesses. There are a lot of mutual benefits to visiting China and having Chinese delegations visit Taupo, he said. There are investment partnerships to be created and potential for exporting and importing opportunities. It's a great way for our council and our local businesses to learn about Chinese culture and how business is done in one of our most important trading countries.

Mr Trewavas said there had been significant investment from China in the Taupo District and as a result it was one of the top destinations for Chinese investment in New Zealand. We've really benefited from our relationship with China over the last 20 years and it it's important we maintain existing relationships and develop new ones to encourage continued investment.

Ms Harvey was selected to join Mr Trewavas after another four places were made available on the trip courtesy of sponsorship by the New Zealand Shaoxing Association. The other three places were filled by a representative from Ngati Tuwharetoa, a representative from the education sector and a council officer who will support the group during the week- long visit.

The businesses attending will pay their own travel costs. Taupo engineering and surveying consultancy Cheal director Phil Battersby said it was an exciting opportunity for businesses to build relationships and help Chinese investors understand New Zealand systems. We are increasingly meeting Chinese investors and employing Chinese people wanting to be part of Taupo and New Zealand, so learning more about their culture in China can only benefit our knowledge and relationships, he said. This will be a great way to improve ways of doing business together.

The delegation will travel to China from May 21 to 29. Anyone else interested in learning more about the delegation can contact business development manager Chloe Walker at cwalker@taupo.govt.nz or on 027 308 4018.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410

Vicki Waterhouse Communications Advisor 07 376 0718 027 484 2549

Taupo District Council

www.taupo.govt.nz