High profile speakers to address Christchurch sister-cities conference

17 March 2004

Building stronger sister-city relationships will be the focus next week, when delegates from New Zealand, Asia and the Pacific gather to attend the NZ Sister Cities Racing Ahead 2004 Conference (24-27 March) at the Christchurch Convention Centre.

Christchurch Deputy Mayor Lesley Keast, chair of the Conference Organising Committee, says the four day event promises to be rewarding for Mayors, Councillors, city officials and volunteers involved in sister-cities programmes.

“'Sharing the Knowledge' is what it's all about and through some great speakers and the success of their sister city experiences we'll be doing exactly that.  With day themes of Peace & Friendship, Culture and Education/Economy there promises to be something of interest for everyone.”

Highlights of the conference programme will include the official opening by the Prime Minister, Helen Clark and keynote addresses from NZ Ambassador to Korea, David Taylor; Australian High Commissioner to NZ, Dr Allan Hawke; peace activist, Dr Kate Dewes; Professor Tom Furness, founder of Canterbury University’s Human Interface Technology (HIT) Lab; and Jennie Lee from the City of Casey, Australia, who will share her experience and knowledge of young people and sister cities.  

The conference should provide excellent opportunities for delegates to establish friendships in Australia, China, Japan and Korea, with each of these countries having a significant presence at the event.  Among these representatives will be a multi-provincial Chinese delegation
The full conference programme is available at www.sistercitiesconference2004.org.nz

For further information contact Sue McFarlane, International Relations Co-ordinator, Christchurch City Council 03 941 8959 or email Sue.McFarlane @ccc.govt.nz

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