Canberra comes to Wellington next week

MEDIA RELEASE
11 November 2016

Canberra comes to Wellington next week

Wellington will be hosting a large Government and business delegation from Canberra next week looking at ways to increase tourism, economic growth, job creation and closer ties between the two capitals, Mayor Justin Lester says.

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.

For more information on Canberra Week in Wellington and the latest updates visithttp://www.canberra.com.au/canberraweekinwellington/

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