Greetings valued member, welcome to the latest edtion
of the Sister Cities Newsletter - we trust that you will find it both entertaining and informative.
From Mayor Garry Daniell
Throughout New Zealand we have been grateful for the response from countries around the world to the earthquake in Christchurch.The Urban Search and Rescue contingents that arrived from overseas provided much needed help in this specialist area along with police from Australia and elsewhere.
In our case, being in the North Island, we are physically remote but we have been heartened by the messages of concern and support from our Sister Cities. We have assisted by sending personnel to Christchurch and hosting families in our area.The global sisterhood that New Zealand experienced underlies the benefit of the Sister City organisation.
Masterton is proud of its links to Changchun (China), Hatsukaichi (Japan) and Armidale (Australia). We owe it to our ratepayers to ensure those relationships are good investments of our people, energy and time as well as financial commitment. The conference will bring you inspirational examples of sister cities in action, with ideas you might be able to transfer to your region. Sessions will also tackle some of the hard questions we all face as scarce resources compete.
Working with Sister Cities New Zealand, our organising committee has put together a thought-provoking programme. Naturally, it is balanced with more relaxed social activities and the chance to visit the Wairarapa region – possibly for the first time in years. We look forward to welcoming you to a lively and constructive conference. Maybe you can stay on for a day or two, and relax over our fine wines?
We are offering a genuine financial incentive to sign up and pay promptly with our Earlybird registration fee – payable by 28 March. It’s a great reason to get organised and act now.
I send you warm greetings and invite you to register online for the 2011 Sister Cities conference, coming up in Masterton 27-29 April. Just go to www.mstn.govt.nz/events/sistercities2011/index.php .
Conference News: Connected, Relevant and Rewarding
Sister Cities Conference 28 – 30 April 2011, Masterton
Programme highlights
• A constructive look at sister city relationships - are they genuinely connected, relevant and rewarding for your city?
• Pool ideas, inspiration and first-hand experiences with your New Zealand and overseas peers
• Many practical Sister Cities " in Action" examples and top speakers to inform and challenge and provoke, your thinking
• A fun daily social programme, ranging from country casual (Thursday) to the dressed-up Royal Wedding Feast Friday (tails, tiaras and frivolous hats optional)
Destination highlights
• Wairarapa (Glistening Waters) is a hidden regional treasure: big skies, wide valleys and small towns with character. Fine wine and
speciality foods. Less than two hours from the capital, you can arrive by plane, train or coach
• The conference venue Copthorne Hotel and Resort Solway Park is newly refurbished, in parklike grounds with every facility and comfort
• Stay for a day or two afterwards to enjoy the culinary and outdoor delights this region offers at a leisurely pace amid mellow autumn
colours
• Special delegate deals on Wairarapa wines
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