Sister Cities

Sisters cities have established direct friendly relations to strengthen mutual understanding, cooperation and ties.

Wellington has three sister city relationships:

  • Beijing, People's Republic of China
  • Sakai, Japan
  • Xiamen, People's Republic of China

A sister city relationship is a formal, long-term relationship based on diverse linkages between the two cities - including cultural, educational and business links. The relationship requires a high degree of commitment on both sides, as well as the active involvement of a community committee.

Beijing, China

In 1994 Deng Lin, the daughter of Chinese President Deng Xiaoping, visited Wellington and 'fell in love with the city'.

Historical Sister Cities

A historical sister city relationship is one based on past or ceremonial links. Wellington has two historical sister city relationships.

Xiamen, China

In the early 1980s, the Council asked the Chinese Embassy about setting up friendly city links with a city in China, after a trip by then Prime Minist...

Sakai, Japan

The idea of the Sakai-Wellington sister city relationship was originally promoted by the Japanese Ambassador to New Zealand, Takeo Iguchi.