Whaktane established its Sister City relationship with Fuzhou City, China in 2019. The agreement was signed by the then Mayor, Tony Bonne, during an event held in Jiangxi province with the Fuzhou Mayor.
Whakatāne is one of three Bay of Plenty districts that have formed relationships with cities in Jiangxi province. The Ōpōtiki District has a relationship with Xinyu and Kawerau has a relationship with Yingtan. 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 Whakatāne and Fuzhou 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, Whakatāne can gain a better understanding of Chinese culture, and in turn, share its own culture with Fuzhou.
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 Fuzhou, Jiangxi
Fuzhou is a vibrant city located in the northeastern part of Jiangxi Province in China. With a population of over 3 million, Fuzhou is one of the largest cities in the province and is a significant economic and cultural hub of the region.
Geographically, Fuzhou is situated at the intersection of the Yangtze River and the Gan River, with the Wuyi Mountains to its west and the Poyang Lake to its east. This unique location has made Fuzhou a historically important transportation hub, connecting the eastern and western parts of China.
The city has a diverse demographic profile, with Han Chinese being the largest ethnic group. Fuzhou is also home to many minority groups, including the She, Miao, and Zhuang, among others. The city has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors can experience traditional customs and lifestyles of these ethnic groups through various cultural festivals and events.
The local economy of Fuzhou is primarily driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The city is famous for its production of rice, oranges, and tea. Additionally, Fuzhou is known for its production of high-quality ceramics, handicrafts, and silk products, which are popular not just within China but also exported worldwide.
Fuzhou is also home to several large-scale industrial zones, including the Fuzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone, which has attracted numerous domestic and foreign enterprises to invest in the city. These industries primarily focus on machinery, electronics, and food processing.
Culturally, Fuzhou is known for its distinctive dialect, which is considered a part of the Min Nan language family. The city also celebrates several festivals throughout the year, such as the Fuzhou Folk Custom Festival, which showcases the customs, traditions, and culture of the local people. Additionally, the annual Fuzhou Chrysanthemum Exhibition, which takes place in October, attracts thousands of tourists from all over China and beyond.
Role of Sister Cities
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.