Sister Cities - Historical Sister Cities

Wellington has two historical sister city relationships:

• Hania, Crete, Greece
• Harrogate, England

A historical sister city relationship is one based on past or ceremonial links.

Hania, Greece

Hania

The Hania-Wellington Historical Sister City relationship, which was formed in 1984. It celebrated the contribution of the Greek and Cretan communities to Wellington and the strong links formed since WWII.

A special relationship developed between New Zealand and the Hania area of Crete. This area was the scene of some of the fiercest fighting during the 1941 Battle of Crete, which was between New Zealand and German troops.

An olive tree was planted in the grounds of the Michael Fowler Centre to commemorate the relationship. A Greek-New Zealand Memorial can also be found on Kent and Cambridge terraces.

Gallery of Art in Public Places

Wellington celebrates 'Hania Day' on 21 May, which is also when commemorations for the Battle of Crete take place.

As well, Lloyd Street was renamed Hania Street. The street was chosen due to the nearby Greek Orthodox Church of Wellington, which serves the local Greek community. The church is in Mount Victoria, which was where the first Greek migrants to Wellington chose to make their home.

There is a Wellington Street near Nea Hora beach in Hania.

Harrogate, England

Harrogate

The Wellington connection with Harrogate began in 1953 when the Council donated plants for the Harrogate Borough Council's Valley Gardens. The garden was originally set up to honour WWII servicemen and women, 23 of whom were New Zealand airmen who died while they were stationed in the town.

In 1954, Harrogate City Council presented Wellington with a gold mace crafted by a local jeweller. The mace is still used at Council meetings and on ceremonial occasions.

In August 2010, Councillor Ray Ahipene-Mercer, Wellington kaumatua Sam Jackson and June Te Raumanga Jackson travelled to Harrogate to reopen the newly refurbished gardens. They presented the borough of Harrogate with a pou whenua to incorporate into the new garden's design.

News Release - 13.09.10

Department Details:
International Relations (Executive Strategy)