A visit by the Vice Mayor of Korean City Songpa-Gu will promote cultural ties within Christchurch and help reinforce the already strong bond between the two cities, says Deputy Mayor Lesley Keast.

Mr Lee will be welcomed at Christchurch International Airport by Deputy Mayor Keast and Councillor Pat Harrow today at 12:30pm.

Vice Mayor Lee is one of five distinguished guests from Songpa-Gu who will take part in a number of activities in the city over the next week.

"Members of the local Korean community and the Sister City Committee have worked hard over the last few weeks and we hope this will be a meaningful experience for Mr Lee and the delegation," says Deputy Mayor Keast.

One such activity is the planting of a Golden Rain tree, native to Korea. It will be planted on Thursday in the Songpa-Gu garden, one of the six sister cities gardens that is being developed at the Halswell Quarry Park, Kennedy’s Bush Road.

The development of such a park is an exciting development says John Taylor Chairman of the Sister Cities Gardens Committee,

"The planting is symbolic of the growing friendly relationship that we have with our sister city Songpa-Gu. It is a privilege to have Mr Lee with us and for him to officially support the establishment of the sister cities gardens in Christchurch," says Mr Taylor.

Other highlights include a visit to Aranui High School (sister school of Ogum High School in Songpa-Gu), as well as visits to local businesses Tait Electronics and Swichtec, and the Centre of Contemporary Art.

John Taylor 332 1685

Chair Sister Cities Gardens Committee

Cr Lesley Keast 371-1564 Christchurch Deputy Mayor (025) 223-0637

Cr Pat Harrow 359-5630