Welcome to Nelson

Hello and welcome to Nelson.

It is our pleasure to host the 2016 Sister Cities New Zealand Conference here in Nelson from 28-30 April 2016 with the theme “Connecting People – Celebrating our Past, Creating our Future” .
Connecting cities, regions and countries begins with connecting people. Strong individual and community relationships build solid foundations for success. With the third largest percentage of migrants per population in New Zealand, Nelson is home to a range of diverse cultures and communities. Connecting these communities is vital to growing a vibrant and prosperous city.

In Nelson, we are fortunate to have close international relationships with four cities: Miyazu, Huangshi, Eureka and Yangjiang.

Just last year, we celebrated our 20 year relationship with Chinese sister city, Huangshi, by re-signing our Memorandum of Understanding.

2016 will see us celebrate the 40-year anniversary of our relationship with Japanese city, Miyazu, and we will acknowledge this special milestone at the Conference.

Two splendid sister city gardens within Nelson city form living, breathing links to both Huangshi and Miyazu. The gardens are enjoyed on a daily basis by locals and visitors alike, we look forward to sharing them with you.

A relevant and varied conference programme will be well supported by inspirational speakers. The Conference also incorporates the Sister Cities New Zealand Annual Awards Dinner. This year, the dinner will celebrate 35 years since the establishment of Sister Cities New Zealand.

If time allows, I invite delegates to spend an extra night or two in Nelson to explore the spectacular, creative, vibrant region that is Nelson Tasman, with your partner or family.

Ko te tūmanako ki mua rā, haere mai nau mai ki Whakatū.
We look forward to welcoming you to Nelson.

Rachel Reese
Mayor of Nelson