Hastings-China relationship to be strengthened through gift-exchange

Kevin Watkins, programme supporter Lesley Chu, Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst and Hastings District Council's economic development manager Lee Nevill. Photo / Supplied

Hastings is aiming to strengthen its tourism relationship with China, with a new year-long programme.

More than 30 regions in China are being invited to send a gift to Hastings, with items unique to their region. Hastings will then send a return gift.

The aim is for the gifts to become part of a secondary school competition, similar to the Amazing China Face Race, where students will guess what region each box comes from.

Hastings was the first city in New Zealand to have a sister city in China, making ties between the two strong.

Councillor and project director Kevin Watkins said the full details of the competition are yet to be finalised.

"As always with these competitions, the aim is to build understanding and friendship between our two countries," Watkins says.

"Today's students will undoubtedly interact more with China – one of the world's largest and most populous countries – in a way that previous generations have not needed to.

"Building relationships and cultural understanding at this age and stage means they will have a good basis on which to interact.

"We believe this project, involving all of China's regions interacting with a city like Hastings and turning it into a competition for high school students, is a first-in-the-world.

"This is going to be fantastic – a year-long celebration that we can all enjoy."

Hastings' venture is part of the nation wide "China-New Zealand Year of Tourism 2019", which was signed by China's Premier Li Keqiang's and then-New Zealand prime minister Bill English in 2017.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said it would strengthen "deep ties" between the two countries.

"It is an opportunity to showcase to China what makes Aotearoa a world-class destination: Stunning national landscapes, unique experiences and products, and maanakitanga, our warm and friendly Kiwi welcome."

Letters are being sent to China's regions this week, asking them to partake in the programme.