Hastings District Libraries

Hastings celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Sister City relationship with Guilin from 1 March to 5 March 2011. The Guilin Good-Will Delegation Performing Group (a music and dance troupe) are planning to visit in this week, and an official delegation from Guilin will hold official talks with the Mayor and Councillors.

There will be displays in the libraries and Hastings CBD will be decorated with Chinese lanterns and banners to welcome the delegation. The Osmanthus Garden in Cornwall Park will also get a tidy-up in preparation for the visit.

The Hastings – Guilin relationship was the first ever New Zealand-China Sister City relationship, and the 30th anniversary is a great occasion for the community to celebrate the cultural and economic relationship shared between these two cities. For more information, contact the Executive Office at Hastings District Council on 871 5000.  See: www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/sister-city

The Hawke’s Bay Branch of the New Zealand China Friendship Society was founded in 1958 by Bill Youren, a local farmer, and re-formed in 1985 by Dr Don Mckenzie, see nzchinasociety.org.nz/hawkes-bay-branch

 Photos: Dancers performing at the 25th anniversary celebrations in 2006, lanterns lined the streets, Osmanthus Gardens at Cornwall Park