Memorandum signed during Suzhou visit

3 December 2015

A Memorandum of Co-operation between Taupo and its Chinese Sister City Suzhou has been signed ahead of a number of joint projects being undertaken between the two.

The Vice Mayor of Suzhou, Lu Liusheng, arrived in the district yesterday with a number of other council delegates from the city.

The group met with Taupo District Council staff at Taupo Museum for the signing of the memorandum, which covers tourism promotion, gift exchange, a sister school relationship, a sister museum relationship and the exchange of officials and employers.

Mayor David Trewavas said the signing was a way of confirming the positive relationship between the two places and making a commitment to follow through with the plans.

It's great to progress our relationship with Suzhou with this memorandum as we both have a lot to gain from the partnership, he said.

Artists from Suzhou held a calligraphy exhibition at Taupo Library in conjunction with the visit, which finishes tomorrow. It was the second exhibition by Suzhou artists held in the district, with the first in November last year by Suzhou's Disabled People's Association.

While here, delegates were officially welcomed by Mr Trewavas and Sir Tumu te Heuheu, paramount chief of Ngati Tuwharetoa, and also visited the calligraphy exhibition. Today they had a geothermal tour, along with visits to Wairakei Estate and Huka Prawn Park.

Suzhou has been Taupo District's Sister City since 2008. Like Taupo, it is a popular tourist spot. It is known for its waterways and gardens and is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation World Heritage Site.

END

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