SISTER CITY DELEGATION TO VISIT CHRISTCHURCH

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Christchurch and Kurashiki, Japan, Christchurch is to welcome 29 delegates from Kurashiki next week. Included in the visiting group are the Mayor of Kurashiki, 11 Councillors, the Director of Kurashiki City Commerce and Labour Department, the Director of International Relations and a citizens group.

All media are invited to join in the celebrations.

Events of note from the itinerary follow:

1. Tuesday 10 November

5.30 - 6.30pm

Mayors Reception area, Civic Offices

Welcome reception including a powhiri

2. Thursday 12 November

10.30 - 11.30

Limes Room, Christchurch Town Hall

Official ceremony to celebrate the 25th anniversary, including entertainment by the St Andrews Pipe Band, which travelled to Kurashiki as part of the 120 member delegation in 1993 to celebrate the 20th anniversary. Also, acclaimed organist Martin Setchell is to perform a short organ recital.

Mayor Garry Moore is to present a gift on behalf of the city to the Mayor of Kurashiki to represent the 25 years of the Sister City relationship between the two cities. A stone sculpture of a fantail bird sculptured by local artist Sam Genet has been commissioned for the gift.

3. Thursday 12 November

2.30pm

Canterbury University, Bridges of Friendship Garden, outside the new Mathematics and Computer Science building, off Science Drive.

Unveiling of the Stone Lantern brought all the way from Kurashiki to represent the 25th anniversary and donated to become a feature piece in the new Bridges of Friendship Garden at the university.

For further details see the website: www.cosc.canterbury.ac.nz/garden

4. Thursday 12 November

7.00 - 9.00pm

Great Hall, The Arts Centre

Reception to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the sister city relationship.

Entertainment to be provided by the Christchurch Boys Choir, Kay Hallisey Irish Dancers, and the Canterbury Ensemble.

Cameras are welcome to all events.