Representatives to visit sister-city Noumea

Taupo District Council will have two representatives visit its sister-city in New Caledonia later this month.

Mayor Rick Cooper and Councillor Doreen Blyth will both spend a week in Noumea as part of the sister-city relationship programme.

As Chairman of Council’s International Relations Committee, Cr Blyth has visited Noumea on previous occasions, however it is Mayor Cooper’s first visit to the small South Pacific Island. The International Relations Committee and the Mayor’s office have also hosted Noumean visitors here in Taupo on numerous occasions.

During their visit, Mayor Cooper and Cr Blyth will visit schools, business and sports clubs as well as have meetings with Noumea’s Mayor, Jean Leques, and the New Zealand Consul General, Eleanor Thomson.

Cr Blyth says that the 22-year relationship with Noumea has created prospects for local businesses and bi-lingual experiences for students.

“We have excellent relationships with many of Noumea’s schools, businesses and cultural groups out of which have come a range of opportunities for the whole community,” she says.

“Noumea’s Council, intermediate school and scout club all visited Taupo last year and Noumean business people also visit us regularly so it will be nice to catch up with them again on their home turf.”

To learn more about Noumea, visit www.newcaledonia.co.nz.