Sister city since: April 4, 2006

Overview

Christchurch is in the Canterbury Plain in the east of the South Island of New Zealand. With a population of 376,700, it is the third largest city in New Zealand and the largest city on the South Island. The city covers an area of 452 square kilometers, following New Zealand’s largest city Auckland and the capital Wellington. Christchurch is also known as the Garden City for its colorful blooms and lush foliage.

Relations with Wuhan

In 1998, leaders of Wuhan led a delegation to visit Christchurch, marking the beginning of official exchanges between the two cities.

On April 4, 2006, Wuhan and Christchurch became sister cities. It was Wuhan’s first sister city in Oceania and the only one in New Zealand.

Over the years, the two cities have cemented their friendship and established a steady communication and coordination mechanism. The two sides have had frequent exchanges of personnel and close cooperation in education, culture, tourism, sports, and business.

City leaders have met many times at the New Zealand-China Mayoral Forum. The two sides have sent personnel to participate in events such as the China International Friendship Cities Conference, Wuhan International River Crossing Festival, and training programs for civil servants, and signed a number of cooperation agreements and memorandums of understanding.

Today, the ancient chime-bells presented by Wuhan to Christchurch are displayed in Christchurch city council and the Yellow Crane Tower streetlamp donated by Wuhan is lit on the street of Christchurch. The Pounamu (Jadeite) presented by Christchurch City Council to Wuhan is also on display in the exhibition hall of Wuhan’s international sister cities. The promo website jointly built by the two cities is working smoothly. These speak volume of the connection and friendship between the two peoples.

In 2011, Christchurch was hit by a strong earthquake, causing casualties and heavy property losses. Wuhan donated money and materials immediately.

In 2016, the delegation of Wuhan Municipal People’s Government visited Christchurch for the 10th anniversary of the establishment of sister city relations.

In 2019, a mass shooting occurred in Christchurch. Wuhan immediately sent a condolence message to the victims and the bereaved families.

In 2020, due to the Covid-19 epidemic, the two cities suspended the exchange of personnel visits. Despite the impact, Wuhan and Christchurch still see their friendship cemented. At the most difficult time in Wuhan’s fight against the virus, Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel sent letters of sympathy to Wuhan twice for support.

In February 2021, Mayor Cheng Yongwen sent a letter of sympathy to Christchurch on the 10th anniversary of the earthquake. After the tornado struck Caidian District in Wuhan, Mayor of Christchurch immediately sent a letter expressing care and support.

In June 2021, the two cities held an online event to mark the 15th anniversary of the establishment of sister city relations. Mayors and leaders of relevant departments met online and signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a friendly exchange relationship between Christchurch China Sister Cities Committee and Wuhan Municipal People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.