12 May 2016

Tripartite Summit wins Sister Cities award

Auckland’s successful involvement in the inaugural Tripartite Economic Summit has been recognised by a major award.

Auckland Council was named the Best Business Project at the 2016 Sister Cities New Zealand Awards, held in Nelson on April 29.

The award recognises the value of the Mayor Len Brown-led mission of 43 Auckland business delegates to Los Angeles last year as part of the inaugural Tripartite Summit between Los Angeles, Guangzhou and Auckland.

The summit was staged as part of the world leading Tripartite Economic Alliance signed by the three cities in 2015.

The judges in the Sister Cities Award says the summit enhanced Auckland’s ties with two of its most economically important formal global partnerships, and supports Auckland’s position as a strategic gateway into Asia and North America.

Mayor Len Brown says the summit was a success, opening up lucrative American and Chinese markets to local Auckland businesses. “It is fitting that the presentation of this award came on the eve of the next summit which we are hosting in Auckland.”

The award recognised that the initiative was an innovative means of building on Auckland's existing long-standing relationships with Guangzhou and Los Angeles, with long-term benefits for all cities.

It also noted the positive news coverage and feedback received from the business delegates and publicity received.

The L.A. mission was jointly managed by Auckland Council’s Global Partnerships and Strategy team and ATEED in close collaboration with Auckland Transport and Ports of Auckland.

The success of this project was also due to the council’s partnership with the New Zealand Consulate-General in Los Angeles and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, as well as ongoing engagement with Auckland industry and business representatives.

Sister Cities New Zealand is a non-profit organisation to promote people-to-to exchanges through global connections. The organisation, which is managed by dedicated volunteers, is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.

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