Mayor Rick raves about sister-city Noumea

Mayor Rick Cooper has returned home after a sister-city visit to Noumea with a long list of actions to follow up and speaking very highly of the French colony.

Mayor Rick Cooper and Councillor Doreen Blyth, Chairman of the International Relations Committee visited Noumea last week as part of the sister-city relationship programme.

“I have been to many places in the world and I am wondering why I have not been to Noumea before - it is very lovely, with friendly people, who are helpful and courteous and very happy,” said the Mayor.

“I would not hesitate in recommending Noumea as a holiday destination – it has everything – nice beaches, plenty of culture, delicious food…. it is a beautiful place,” he said.

During their visit, Mayor Cooper and Councillor Blyth visited schools, business and sports clubs and met with Noumea’s Mayor, Jean Leques, and the New Zealand Consul General, Eleanor Thomson.

Mayor Rick says he has a long list of initiatives and opportunities to follow up including visits for cycling clubs, scout groups and golf clubs, a rugby 7's tournament, the Pacific Games, cultural and language exchanges for schools, cultural and art performances and more.

“The sister-city relationship concept is brilliant and there are some real benefits there for the Taupo District. I would like to see this relationship with Noumea grow to even bigger heights,” said the Mayor.

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

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

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