During the first-ever ‘Canberra Week in Wellington’ - from 14-20 November - Wellington will play host to a delegation including ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr and around 100 other business and government delegates.
The week will focus particularly on building connections in the arts, business, innovation, tourism, sport, and higher education and build plans for the future.
“The relationship between the two Capitals will move to the next level this week as we find tangible ways to work together around economic growth and job creation and to share intellectual capital,” Mayor Lester said.
“I am particularly interested in working with our colleagues from Canberra on community services, affordable housing, transport solutions and energy supply; some of those connections are already under way.”
The bond between the two capital cities was strengthened this year by the signing of a formal Sister City Agreement in July.
The first Singapore Airlines ‘Capital Express’ flight, creating a direct link between Canberra and Wellington, landed in September. The new direct service will provide an additional 110,000 seats each year and boost cargo capacity for exporters in the Wellington region, bringing an estimated $44 million a year in economic benefit to New Zealand.
“I would like to thank Canberra for their commitment to Wellington and their generosity in putting on a great schedule of fun and engaging public events this week,” Mayor Lester said.
Mayor Lester and Chief Minister Barr will lay a wreath and light a commemorative lantern at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park at 8am on Tuesday 15 November to remember fallen soldiers.
Other events include lectures, a mini film festival, the creation of a new public art work by Canberra street artist Byrd, a craft beer ‘take over’ and a giveaway of specially designed’ Welly’ Freak milkshakes.
Event highlights happening around Wellington next week:
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Mon 14 Nov
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Inventor of the Freakshakes, Anna Petridis from Canberra, launches the week of activity in Civic Square with her delicious creations, offering locals the opportunity to sample a free ‘Welly’ Freak from 12pm – 3pm
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Guest lecture by Dr Ceridwen Fraser, ACT Scientist of the Year, on Antarctic Ecology
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Australian National University and Victoria University Wellington Law Schools unite for a panel discussion entitled: Now What for South China Sea?
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Tue 15 Nov
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Wreath laying and ceremonial meeting at the War Memorial with Canberra’s Chief Minister and Wellington’s Mayor, Justin Lester
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Canberra street artist Byrd creates a vibrant mural beside the Opera House (Tue 15 - Thur 17 November)
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Wellington-Canberra Smart cities forum, discussing smart city initiatives at the Art Museum Hotel.
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Wed 16 Nov
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Red carpet opening of Canberra’s Film Festival at The Roxy, with the premiere of Ella, the much anticipated documentary on the first Aboriginal ballerina
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Thur 17 Nov
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Tap Takeover - Canberra brewers showcase their local beers at The Malthouse (Thur 17 - Sat 19 November)
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Pop-up street performance by renowned hip-hop artist Jimblah who will take to Cuba St to entertain the lunchtime crowds.
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Film Festival – NZ premiere of Joe Cinque’s Consolation at The Roxy
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Fri 18 Nov
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Film Festival – Me & My Mates Vs Zombie Apocalypse at Park Road Post
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