Kiyosato Mayor Returns to Tasman

Mayor Kushibiki last visited Tasman from Kiyosato in 1990 and returned last week with a group of 23 students and six adults, staying in Motueka for five nights. Delegations from Kiyosato and Motueka visit each other regularly as part of the Friendly Town Partnership, enhancing cross-cultural understanding.

Motueka and Kiyosato’s relationship is supported and promoted through the Friendly Town Committee, which operates independently of Council. Richmond has a similar partnership with the Japanese settlement of Fuji Machi and has it’s own Committee.

During his visit Mayor Kushibiki visited Tasman District Council’s office in Richmond where he observed a citizenship ceremony then met with the Mayor and Councillors informally over morning tea.