MEDIA RELEASE

19 September 2016

Europe Lane opening celebrates close links

Members of Wellington’s diplomatic community came together today to open a walkway newly-named ‘Europe Lane’, marking Wellington’s long-standing ties with Europe.

Mayor Celia Wade-Brown and Ms Eva Tvarožková, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Delegation of the European Union to New Zealand, formally opened the walkway.

Other representatives of the European Diplomatic Community, including those from France, Poland, Germany, Hungary and the Netherlands, were also at the opening.

Wellington has a long-standing connection with Europe dating back to the 19th Century settlers and, as Capital City, has a special relationship with the diplomatic corps.

“European immigration has greatly enriched Wellington with music, art, literature, architecture, food and wine all making their mark on the city,” Mayor Wade Brown said.

“Europe Lane also recognises our political ties with the European Union and our cooperation on issues such as the climate change, science, education, and promoting development and human rights in the Pacific,” Mayor Wade Brown said.

Europe Lane, which was previously unnamed, runs adjacent to Bolton Street Cemetery from Bowen St to Aurora Terrace on the east side of the motorway, just behind the Delegation of the European Union to New Zealand.

“As many of the best cities in Europe are walkable cities – it is appropriate that we are marking our relationship with Europe with a walkway in the heart of the Capital City and the seat of Government. The area also reflects the heritage of European parks in central city environments,” Mayor Wade Brown said.

Also at the opening were Friends of Bolton Street Cemetery and Living Streets Aotearoa who were among those consulted with as part of the naming process.

Ms Tvarožková said Europe Lane is a clear symbol of the long-standing historical ties and shared values between Europe and New Zealand, and its people.

"The relation between the European Union and New Zealand has flourished and significantly grown in recent years. This grand gesture of the City of Wellington to name a lane in New Zealand's capital after Europe is yet another example of our ever closer partnership."

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