Hauraki Mayor to visit China this month

Hauraki Mayor Toby Adams will visit China this week to witness a “sea of peach blossoms” and strengthen council’s relationship with the district of Pinggu.
He’ll make the trip with former Hauraki Mayor John Tregidga, who told elected members last week that the voyage could establish a Sister City relationship with the Beijing province, and provide “real opportunities” back home.
Sister Cities, sometimes called twin towns, is a term given to two geographically and politically distinct localities for the purpose of promoting cultural and commercial ties.
In the 1970/80’s Paeroa had a twin town relationship with Nowra in the Shoalhaven District of New South Wales. In 1994, it established a Sister City relationship with Murray Bridge, South Australia, and, in 2001, council established a memorandum of friendship with the Jiading District in Shanghai, China.
Elected members heard on March 29 how Mayor Adams and Mr Tregidga were invited by Pinggu District Mayor Di Tao to attend the Pinggu International Peach Blossom Festival on April 17.
A letter sent to the mayor talked of learning about Pinggu’s industrial achievements, enhancing the districts’ friendship, and promoting cooperation.
Expenses incurred during the men’s stay, including accommodation and meals, would be paid for by the Pinggu district. However, Mayor Adams’ airfare and visa costs would be paid for by Hauraki council, coming out of its extended relationships budget.
Council approved a one-off operating cost of $6,500, with no impact on rates.
Plains Ward councillor Ray Broad voted against the motion.
“Hauraki has been one of the leaders in being actively in a Sister City relationship with China,” Mr Tregidga said at the March council meeting.
“There are a number of councils that do have Sister City relationships – some are quite strong, but a lot of them are hit and miss. Hauraki has been consistent, and that has been well recognised by Beijing,” he said.
“Hauraki has had an extremely high profile relationship with China and is highly regarded, and personally, I’d like to see that continue.”
Council also approved staff investigating options for future Sister City relationships.