SISTER-TOWNS /SISTER CITIES
We abide by the concept of Global Cities NZ ie “To foster the growth of a mutual long-term friendship between countries as well as communities within them. It is a bond which allows for continuous exchange of ideas and culture and even facilitates development with areas of trade, tourism and education” I believe in international understanding and the fostering of world peace by increasing communication. It is a ‘people to people’ engagement. It can only do good among our peoples. We became members of Global Cities New Zealand in July
2024 and therefore share a bond worldwide.
Smaller communities like us are referred to as Sister-Towns but are also, in the main, part of our larger cities.
I have over the years, continued to pursue Friendship Town associations with other Warkworths around the world ie Warkworth Banbury Northampshire Uk and Warkworth Singleton NSW….yet to be confirmed. Meanwhile it is HERITAGE MAHURANGI INC who have taken over the roll of administering our Warkworth connections.
WARKWORTH NORTHUMBERLAND UK
Warkworth is a village in Northumberland, England. (55.345°N 1.611°W) It is probably best known for its well-preserved medieval castle, church and hermitage. The population of Warkworth was 1,413 in 2021. The village is situated in a loop of the River Coquet, about 1 mile (1.6 km) from the Northumberland coast and lies on the main A1068 road. It is 30 miles (48 km) north of Newcastle, and about 40 miles (64 km) south of the Scottish border. An ancient bridge of two arches crosses the river at Warkworth, with a fortified gateway on the road mounting to the castle, the site of which is surrounded on three sides by the river. In 1992 it was twinned with Warkworth, New Zealand, which is named after it.
In 1992 the Rotary Club of Warkworth hosted a small group of citizens from WARKWORTH NORTHUMBERLAND UK to a dinner at the Bridgehouse Lodge. In the presence of a full house of Rotarians and dignitaries an official Twinnings Charter was signed between Warkworth NZ and the UK. As a result of that function we were inspired to take the concept further as we were aware of other Warkworth’s in the world all of whom it would appear, were founded by Northumbrians. In the following year a Warkworth International Relations group was formed and became the organisation locally for all such activity.
Some of the original committee members were Sir Gordon Mason (former Mayor RDC) Peter Thompson, John Evans, Bruce and Margaret McCallum, Roma Glover, Russell Cullen, Lesley Ingham and Linda Wall to name but a few.
FURUDONO
Furudono (古殿町, Furudono-machi) is a town located in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. 37°05′21.1″N 140°33′20.4″E) As of 29 February 2020, the town had an estimated population of 5,149. The total area of the town is 163.29 square kilometres (63.0 sq mi). Furudono was twinned with Warkworth New Zealand in 2000.
Some few years prior to 1999, we were approached by a Japanese Tour Guide by the name of Urimi Ito to see if we would be interested in fostering a Sister-Town Relationship with FURUDONO in the Prefecture FUKUSHIMA JAPAN and after much consideration we said yes, why not. Well, it took a few years of ‘getting-to-know you’ before we formally agreed to sign a Charter. In 2000, a delegation of Warkworthians were invited to visit Japan.There were 18 of us who visited for five days…the welcome ceremony by Furudono Town Council and it’s people was something we shall always remember as a highlight. At a special function the Mayor Mr Mitsunori Okabe and I signed a formal Sister-Town Agreement. Since then we have had a close international relationship with exchanges of adults and pupils from both Furudono Junior High School and Mahurangi College exchanging visits.
A highlight was when Furudono sent a large contingent down to attend our towns 150th Anniversary celebrations in 2003. They contributed to our celebration by bringing their famous Yabasame Horse Riders who performed in full costume at a display of horse riding and arrow shooting at the Warkworth Showgrounds. Thousands attended. The horses were lent by Sharley Haddon of Pakiri Horse Riding. Japan also marched in our Anniversary Street parade in full costume. During their visit in 2003, Sister-School Agreements were signed between Principals and the Mayor and Secretary of Education (Japan) with Mahurangi College, Warkworth School and Furudono Junior High School. We have been great friends for past 25yrs.
WARKWORTH ONTARIO CANADA
Warkworth is a community in the municipality of Trent Hills, Northumberland in Central Canada. (44°12′02″N 77°53′19″W) Originally known as Percy Mills (1851 Census), the village of Warkworth was incorporated in 1857, and became part of Trent Hills when the latter was formed in 2001. Warkworth is named after Warkworth, Northumberland and was twinned with Warkworth, New Zealand in 2003.
It is now some forty years since we first made contact with Mrs Wynn Platt, former Council Clerk of Trent Hills back in 1984. The friendship has continued through a rather unique association with many our locals exchanging visitations during those years. It was again in 2003 and during our 150th Anniversary, that a delegation from Warkworth Ontario visited us here in NZ joining in various activity and getting to know our Japanese friends who were also here then. Local families hosted all our guests.
Our Warkworth International Relations Group, as it was known back then, had arranged for a formal welcome and reception for all delegates including representatives from Warkworth UK ( Percy family) It was a very special gathering at which a formal Sister-Town Twinning Charter was signed by former Mayor George McCleary between us and Warkworth Ontario. It wasn’t until 2007 that I was able to visit Trent Hills on my way home from the America’s Cup in Spain. I was hosted by a number of wonderful families who were part of the delegation that visited us in 2003. George McCleary and his wife had arranged for a formal reception at their Council office…..it was a rather moving experience for me having been involved in the concept since 1984. There have been a number of individual locals who have since visited Ontario and received amazing hospitality. Our doors are always open.
Dave Parker – Sister-Town Co-ordinator
