Whanganui council wins award for relationship with Japanese sister city Nagaizumi-cho

Whanganui District Council has been formally recognised for its 30-year anniversary celebrations with Japanese sister city Nagaizumi-cho.

The council took home the Best Local Government Project award at the Sister Cities New Zealand annual conference, which was held in Palmerston North last month.

Mayor Hamish McDouall said it was an appropriate way to honour the bond between the two cities.

"I am pleased that our 30-year relationship with Nagaizumi-cho has been recognised by Local Government New Zealand and I am sure the many students, educators and visitors from both cities who have enjoyed their interactions over many years would agree that the long-term friendship deserves to be recognised in this way," he said.

Alongside accepting the award, McDouall addressed the crowd on the Council's International Relations Strategic Review which focuses on future overseas relations and ways to work towards beneficial social, economic and cultural outcomes.