Council recognised at Sister Cities conference

Taupō District Council has been nationally recognised for its efforts during a project around the 10th Anniversary Celebrations for the Suzhou and Taupō Sister City relationship.

The project won runner-up in the Best Local Government Project for its museum exhibition and schools programme that celebrated 10 years of the Sister City friendship.

Council representatives were presented with the award at New Zealand’s annual Sister Cities conference in Palmerston North on March 22. The museum exhibition, Suzhou – Faith and Life 618AD-1279AD, ran from September to November and over 5000 people visited and a schools programme ran alongside it.

Head of economic development and business transformation John Ridd said it was fantastic for the council to be recognised for a project of this scale that had far reaching benefits.

“We saw this as a great opportunity to share knowledge and education, while promoting cultural awareness and strengthening our relationship with our Sister City, Suzhou,” he said. “Sister Cities are an important part of any regional growth plan, not only for economic outcomes, but in our evolving society, strengthening ties and learning to promote a truly global culture of inclusion.”

He said time spent building trust and building personal relationships with our Sister City was vital to maximising the economic long-term benefits of the relationship. An archway gifted to Taupō from Suzhou was also erected during the celebrations, and stands at the southern entrance to Tongariro Domain.

The awards were open to all councils and community and education institutes in New Zealand.