Bay of Plenty
Jiangxi
Sister Province

The Jiangxi - Bay of Plenty Relationship was formally established in 2019 to promote friendship, understanding and exchanges between the two regions. The relationship has three main focus areas: Community, supporting community groups to connect with like-minded organisations in Jiangxi and sharing our unique cultures; Youth, providing opportunities for our young people to travel and learn, while building aspiration and capability; Economic, supporting organisations to leverage business opportunities from the closer relationship between the Bay of Plenty and Jiangxi.

The relationship is held between:

1. The Bay of Plenty Regional Council - Jiangxi Provincial Government
2. Whakatane District Council - Fuzhou Municipal Government
3. Opotiki District Council - Xinyu Municipal Government
4. Kawerau District Council - Yingtan Municipal Government
5. South Waikato District Council - Yichuan Municipal Government.

The relationship is managed by Eastern Bridge Limited in New Zealand on behalf of the participating organisations, and the Jiangxi Provincial Government's Department of Foreign Affairs in Jiangxi.

Getting involved:

The relationship is designed to be inclusive, and we seek participation from local governments, iwi, council controlled organisations, education providers, businesses, community groups and individuals. The more interested and active participants we have involved the stronger and more dynamic the relationship becomes. If you or your organisation wants to become involved please reach out to us through the contact form below.

About Jiangxi:

Jiangxi, located in East China, is a province known for its rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and rapid economic growth. With a diverse economy spanning agriculture, manufacturing, and a burgeoning digital sector, Jiangxi is a dynamic blend of traditional and modern China. .... read more

Q: How is the relationship funded in New Zealand?

A: The management of the relationship is funded by a small monthly fee paid by participating local governments and commissions on commercial programs. Non-commercial exchanges are funded through grants, scholarships and volunteers.

Q: What does Jiangxi get out of being involved in the relationship?

A: The relationship benefits Jiangxi by raising the profile of their province internationally and providing opportunities for their people to internationally engage.

Q: Is this relationship political?

A: Only to a limited extent, the relationship is owned by the participating local governments in New Zealand and China, however the activities conducted as part of the relationship revolve around community exchange in areas such as art, culture and sport, youth programs and scholarship as well as economic development. The relationship is about people, not politicians.

Q: What is the benefit or participating in the relationship?

A: The relationship is flexible and multi-faceted, largely driven by the interests of the participating members. In the past the relationship has provided opportunities to schools through the promotion of international students, businesses by providing a new export market and source of inward investment, local students by providing scholarships and overseas experiences and to community groups providing connections and exchange opportunities.