Sister cities in action
The formal sister city relationship between Wellington and Canberra began in July 2016, with a commitment to foster collaboration across economic development, and the tourism, education, and creative sectors.
Local institutions like Zealandia and Wellington Zoo have agreed to collaborate with Mulligans Flat Sanctuary and Canberra’s National Zoo & Aquarium.
There are strong ties between the two cities’ Chambers of Commerce, aimed at making business and trade easier.
Creative and educational exchanges are just as important, with Toi Manu Tautoko, the Canberra Wellington Indigenous Artist Exchange, resuming this year after a pandemic-induced pause.
Natural partners
Wellington and Canberra share more than just roles as capitals of their respective nations. Both are known for their creativity, innovation and unique natural environments.
Home to the indigenous Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples for over 20,000 years, the city of Canberra was built following the federation of Australian colonies and has evolved from being primarily a government town, to Australia’s largest inland city of over 470,000 people.
Canberra boasts some of Australia’s top universities, including the world-class Australian National University, and has a young, multicultural population with 25 percent of residents born overseas. It’s a diverse city with a progressive mindset, a natural partner for Wellington.