Wellington will be buzzing with activity this week as Pōneke celebrates its sister city partnership with Canberra.

Australian Capital Territory Chief Minister Andrew Barr will be leading a delegation to Wellington, to celebrate the partnership and cooperation between the two capital cities.

“This week’s celebration reflects the strength and significance of our city’s relationship with Canberra, further deepening the bonds of friendship and collaboration between us,” says Mayor Tory Whanau.

“Our partnership is a source of great pride and a key element in Wellington’s international engagements, fostering a continued exchange of ideas, culture, and goodwill.”

Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the visit was an opportunity to reaffirm the deep and growing ties between Canberra and Wellington.

“Our sister city relationship with Wellington is one of genuine friendship and mutual respect. It’s built on a shared commitment to sustainability, creativity, and inclusive growth,” says Mr Barr.

“From climate action and urban planning to arts and innovation, our two capital cities face many of the same challenges and opportunities. This visit allows us to share knowledge, deepen collaboration, and celebrate what we’ve already achieved together.

“It’s also a chance to showcase the very best of Canberra – from our defence ties and creative industries to our thriving business and education sectors.”

HMAS Canberra, the Royal Australian Navy’s flagship, will take part in a series of events that includes a captivating naval parade through the city, Ship’s company volunteering at a soup kitchen and in community clean-ups, and a rugby match against their New Zealand counterparts.

Apart from these engagements, an agreement will be signed to foster closer cooperation between capital cities in the Pacific region, and a business mission from Canberra will meet with their New Zealand counterparts.

The programme of activities aiming to further strengthen ties between the two capital cities includes:

• 5-9 June: Visit by the amphibious assault ship HMAS Canberra.
• 5 June: A business delegation, including representatives from the Canberra Chamber of Commerce and the Canberra Convention Bureau (responsible for attracting business events to the Canberra region), will attend an economic briefing organised by the Wellington City Council.
• 6 June: Signing of a tripartite agreement on regional cooperation between Wellington, Canberra, and the Fijian capital, Suva.
• 6 June: Ship’s company from HMAS Canberra will volunteer at the Compassion Soup Kitchen from 10am to 12:30pm and participate in clean-ups from 12:30pm to 3:30pm at the Wellington Botanic Garden, Otari-Wilton’s Bush, Wellington Zoo, Wellington Harbour (near the tugboat), and Owhiro Bay.
• 6 June, 9:00am-12:00pm: AFL match between the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal New Zealand Navy at Rugby League Park, Newtown.
• 7 June, 10:00am-10:30am: Freedom of Entry parade through Wellington by around 250 Ship’s company of HMAS Canberra.

The parade begins at Queens Wharf Square, proceeds onto Jervois Quay, then turns onto Brandon Street. It continues down Lambton Quay, turning right and proceeding along Lambton Quay towards Parliament. Just before Bowen Street, the parade will be “challenged” by the Wellington District Commander of the New Zealand Police (a symbolic exchange where they will ask for identification and confirmation of permission, which will be provided via the Mayor’s charter). Following this, the parade will continue, with participants saluting VIPs on the dais at the Cenotaph. The route then continues along Bunny Street and Thorndon Quay, concluding near Pipitea Marae.

• 7 June, 1:30pm-3:00pm: Royal Australian Navy band concert at Pukeahu National War Memorial.

Under the sister city partnership agreement signed in 2016, Wellington and Canberra committed to promote business collaboration, tourism, educational and cultural exchanges, and the sharing of research and knowledge.

Regular visits and the signing of agreements between their business chambers, screen industry organisations, zoos, conservation eco-sanctuaries, indigenous artist exchange programmes, and botanic gardens have enhanced city-to-city relations since then.

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