Whakatāne and the Japanese city of Shibukawa have signed a Friendship Agreement that cements a 25-year relationship.

In a civic ceremony held on Monday, 8 November in Whakatāne, a visiting delegation from Shibukawa met with Mayor Tony Bonne, Chairman of the Sister Cities Association Andrew Iles, and Whakatāne High School Principal Chris Nielson to formalise an agreement that seeks to promote greater cultural and educational ties and mutually-beneficial economic cooperation.

In his address at the ceremony, the Mayor noted that Whakatāne and Shibukawa had enjoyed a long and friendly history of student exchanges and visits, and he welcomed the opportunity the agreement offers to build on this relationship. “Shibukawa has had an enduring relationship with Whakatāne High School for over 20 years,” Mr Bonne noted, “and I believe this agreement needs to advance further than simply friendship. We have had many visitors from Shibukawa, and I would definitely like to see more people coming to experience our District.”

The Mayor of Shibukawa, Mr Sadaji Akutsu, said that he too looked forward to expanding the relationship that existed between Whakatāne and Shibukawa. Mr Akutsu said that while the two cities were separated by distance and language, they also shared much in common, and he felt there was considerable potential for cooperation.

During their stay, the Shibukawa delegation visited several local industries, including New Zealand Mānuka Honey and Julians Berry Farm, as well as Te Wānanga o Awanuiarangi. Mayor Bonne says the warm Whakatāne reception they received during these visits undoubtedly went a long way to ensuring the delegation returned to Japan with a very good impression of the town.