Piece of Hastings in China

A little piece of Hastings will be recreated in Guilin to mark a 30-year sister city relationship.

The foundation stone has been laid for a Hastings garden which will represent mana whenua and the bond between the two cities.

Mayor Lawrence Yule and councillors and staff from Hastings District Council are in Guilin as part of a goodwill delegation.

The trip also marks the 30th anniversary of the sister city relationship, the first to be established between China and New Zealand. A delegation from Guilin visited Hastings earlier this year.

The new garden in the Guilin Botanical Gardens will include representations of a number of Hastings landmarks, including the clock tower and fountain, and a replica of a typical New Zealand house.

Mr Yule said the garden would enhance the bond between the cities. "Hastings has the Osmanthus Gardens at Cornwall Park - it is fitting that a garden representing this region be developed in Guilin.

"In fact it is a wonderful idea and we look forward to the bonus of more engagement with Guilin."

The garden will include large grassed areas and construction was expected to begin early in 2012.