Kawerau established its Sister City relationship with Yingtan City, China in 2019. The agreement was signed by the then Mayor, Malcolm Campbell, during an event held in Jiangxi province with the Yingtan Mayor.
Kawerau is one of three Bay of Plenty districts that have formed relationships with cities in Jiangxi province. The Whakatane District has a relationship with Jiangxi Fuzhou and Ōpōtiki has a relationship with Xinyu. The ultimate goal of these relationships is to encourage economic, education, and community exchange between the people of the Eastern Bay of Plenty and Jiangxi province.
The Sister City relationship between Kawerau and Yingtan presents an excellent opportunity for both communities to exchange ideas and resources. The exchange of culture and ideas will promote understanding and a better appreciation of each other’s customs, which will create lasting relationships between the two cities. Through this relationship, Kawerau can gain a better understanding of Chinese culture, and in turn, share its own culture with Yingtan.
Background on the Jiangxi – Eastern Bay of Plenty Relationship
In 2017, the Eastern Bridge company was contracted to identify a potential sister city partner for the Ōpōtiki District Council, located in the Eastern Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand. The company consulted with three Eastern Bay of Plenty councils, and after analyzing a range of criteria related to compatibility, 12 options were identified, with Jiangxi Province being selected as the most suitable.
There are many parallels between the Eastern Bay of Plenty and Jiangxi, including similar economies based around horticulture, agriculture, aquaculture, forestry, and tourism, as well as a rich and diverse cultural identity and supportive local governments. Geographically, both regions are significantly forested with important rivers and lakes, as well as being in geothermal zones. Additionally, the people of the Eastern Bay of Plenty and Jiangxi enjoy similar outdoor activities.
The sister city relationship between the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and the Jiangxi Provincial Government was formalized in 2019, with Ōpōtiki signing with Xinyu City, Whakatāne with Fuzhou City, and Kawerau with Yingtan City. Various projects were identified for the two sides to consider, and a $500,000 fund was established to fund two-way scholarships and exchanges between the people of Jiangxi and the Bay of Plenty. The Bay of Plenty Center in Nanchang was also officially opened to support Bay of Plenty organizations in running events and activities in Jiangxi Province.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the two regions remained in contact through online school and community group exchanges, highlighting the importance of sister cities in maintaining international relationships. Overall, sister cities provide a valuable opportunity for communities to share their cultures, ideas, and experiences while building meaningful connections and promoting global cooperation.
About Jiangxi
Jiangxi Province, located in southeast China, is known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and diverse culture. The province has a long history dating back to ancient times, with numerous historical sites and relics such as the Jinggang Mountains and the ancient city of Pingyao.
The population of Jiangxi is approximately 46 million, with a mix of Han and minority ethnic groups including the She, Hakka, and Miao people.
Jiangxi is home to a variety of stunning natural environments, from the Poyang Lake, the largest freshwater lake in China, to the towering Wuyi Mountains. The province has made great efforts to protect its environment and improve water management, with initiatives such as "sponge cities" to improve water retention and reduce flooding.
Jiangxi's economy is diverse, with horticulture, forestry, tourism, and freshwater aquaculture being among the main industries. The province has a rich agricultural heritage, with tea, rice, and oranges being among the main crops. In addition, Jiangxi is a major producer of non-ferrous metals such as copper and tungsten.
The province is also home to a vibrant tourism industry, with attractions such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Mount Sanqingshan National Park and the Lushan National Park.
In terms of culture, Jiangxi is known for its traditional crafts such as porcelain, paper-cutting, and embroidery. The province is also home to a number of festivals and celebrations, including the Gannan Shaolin Kung Fu Festival and the Wuyuan Flower Festival.
About Yingtan
Yingtancity located in the east of Jiangxi Province, is a hidden gem in China that offers breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and a rich history. The city covers an area of approximately 3,500 square kilometers and is home to a population of over 1.5 million people.
Geographically, Yingtan is located in the southeastern part of China and is situated on the banks of the Xin River. The city is surrounded by mountains, forests and water, making it an ideal place for hiking, fishing, and boating. The climate in Yingtan is subtropical, with mild winters and hot summers, making it a perfect destination for tourists all year round.
Yingtan’s population is predominantly Han Chinese, but there are also significant minorities such as She, Hui, and Zhuang. The city has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its traditional folk customs and distinctive cuisine.
In terms of economy, Yingtan has a well-developed manufacturing industry, with the main industries being electronics manufacturing, machinery manufacturing, timber processing and pharmaceuticals. The city is also rich in mineral resources such as iron, copper, and tungsten, which contribute significantly to its economy.
One of the speciality products of Yingtan is the famous Yingtan Huaqiao Tea, which has a history of more than 1,300 years. This tea is made from the leaves of the tea trees grown in the Huaqiao Mountains, which are rich in minerals and have a unique flavor. Other famous local products include dried tofu, Jiangxi chestnuts, and porcelain.
Yingtan is also known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to several festivals and events throughout the year.
The role of sister cities is to promote cultural, economic, educational, and civic exchanges between two cities in different countries. The relationship is based on a formal agreement signed by the mayors of both cities.
Sister cities aim to foster mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation between people of different cultures and backgrounds. The exchanges can take various forms, such as student exchanges, business partnerships, cultural events, and government-to-government collaboration. The goal is to build long-lasting relationships and increase global awareness and understanding.
Through the sister city relationship, both cities can learn from each other and develop new ideas and solutions to common challenges. Sister cities can also promote tourism and trade, leading to economic growth and development. Overall, sister cities play a critical role in building bridges between communities around the world and fostering a more peaceful and prosperous world.