Christchurch
Sister City Relationship
The proposal for a Sister Cities link between Christchurch (in the province of Canterbury), New Zealand and Adelaide, arose in early December 1971 during a Civic Reception given by the then Lord Mayor, Mr W.H. Hayes, at which the then High Commission of New Zealand, Mr A.J. Yendell was guest of honour.
The Adelaide City Council adopted the suggestion on 20 December 1971, with it being approved in principle by the Council of the City of Christchurch on 21 February 1972.
The relationship between Christchurch and Adelaide is designed to foster close understanding between the two cities, to exchange ideas and information between organisations, to welcome visitors associated with trade missions, exchange students, sporting competitors, cultural and interested groups, to foster travel and trade between the two cities.
The link has been established to obtain the broadest possible liaison between Christchurch and Adelaide.
About Christchurch
Christchurch was founded in December 1850. With a population of 344,100 it is the third largest city in New Zealand.
It is located near the middle of the South Island, on the east coast. Its location allows for a variety of environments, coastal, alpine and river settings being enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
The charming River Avon winds through the City and like Adelaide, the streets of Christchurch are set out in a grid system. Both cities were developed with open space and garden areas, with Christchurch being well known as a Garden City due to this.
The similarities between the development of Adelaide and Christchurch are due to the fact that both were established under the precepts of Edward Gibbon Wakefield, who believed in reasonably priced land for free settlers.
English architecture can be seen throughout the City streets, with the lifestyle of Christchurch featuring influences from South Pacific and Asian cultures. Christchurch is indeed a multicultural City which has grown to establish its own special culture and identity - "Christchurch the Garden City - the City that shines."
For more information on Christchurch and New Zealand, please visit the sites listed below.
Achievements of the Sister City Relationship
The relationship between Christchurch and Adelaide has allowed for a broad and positive relationship between these two diverse and individual cities. Some of the achievements obtained through this affiliation include:
● A joint venture has been established between Mace Engineering of Christchurch and Perry Engineering of Mile End aimed at maximising the South Australian and New Zealand content on ANZAC frigates for the Defence Force. Estimated value of $1 million.
● A contract to export Pope electric motors to NZ. The estimated value of the contract being $2 million per annum.
● A major South Australian winery has been exporting second-hand wooden barrels to a New Zealand keg manufacturer who has been reshaping the barrels into 10 litre kegs which store wine and are sold to the domestic home market. Estimated value of $5.5 million.
● A highly successful Stone Sculptor exchange was arranged between Christchurch and Adelaide.
● The most recent delegation visit to Adelaide in March 1998, resulted in more than $3.5 million of trade being undertaken.
● Daringa Cellars have been contracted to provide wine to New Zealand, with an estimated value of $100,000 per annum.
● The supply from Mercer Stainless Steel in Christchurch of kitchen and bathroom units for the South Australian Submarine project. Estimated value of several millions of dollars.
● The Adelaide Greyhound Association and Christchurch Greyhound Association have an annual Greyhound race initiated by Adelaide in October 2000 and Direk School Salisbury and Oaklands School Christchurch have an annual student exchange program which has been extremely successful for twelve years.
Links
● Christchurch City Council
● Christchurch City Promotions
● Official Visitor Information
● Welcome to Christchurch
● Virtual Tour of Christchurch
● New Zealand Tourism On-Line