District Relationship

Under the background of building up Beijing into an international eco- city, Changping District speeds up the development of foreign exchanges and communication aiming at becoming an international first-grade science and education district. Changping District and Hurunui District started our friendship from November, 2014 with the introducing and great support of Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Christchurch. Through mutual visits and understanding, two districts find that we have important potential cooperation and have a lot in common in areas of economy, education, tourism, culture, sports and more. The signing of friendship cooperation MOU lights up the future for mutual development.

Five years ago the leadership of the Hurunui district were becoming increasingly aware of the importance to develop relationships and connections with those in Asia. The establishment of the chinese Consulate in 2010 allowed the Consul General Madam Tan Xiutian and the current Consul General Jin Zhijian to personally tour and consult with the Hurunui distruct over the most appropriate path forward.

In late 2014, Changping district was identified as a suitable sister district and thus began a journey for both district mayors to meet with each other and discuss the mutual benefits both districts could work towards.

On the evening of the 17th of December 2015 a MOU was signed at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Resort with a letter from the Prime Minister John Key acknowledging the importance of this budding relationship. The signing of this MOU is a significant step forward for the district of Hurunui who are looking forward to building upon the initial connection and friendship to the betterment of both districts.