International partnerships
Introduction |
Background |
Sister cities |
Friendship cities |
Strategic alliance |
Strategic environment |
Key themes |
Covec report |
Brisbane |
Busan |
Fukuoka |
Guangzhou |
Hamburg |
Los Angeles |
Shinagawa |
Tomioka |
Study visits
| Features
Brisbane
- sister city
Background
The Auckland-Brisbane sister city agreement was signed in 1988, to coincide with the World Expo in Brisbane.
Auckland has enjoyed a very active relationship with Brisbane, including sporting, educational and tourism programmes.
The current focus is on best practice initiatives with a view to increasing mutually beneficial economic outcomes in future.
For information about Brisbane, visit the official
Brisbane City Council website.
Some examples of programmes
Staff exchange
An biannual best practice exchange programme between the two councils, focused on a targeted learning area.
The staff exchange was established in 2007.
In March 2009, a senior transport planner from Auckland City Council spent a month with Brisbane's transport
teams. Chris recognised a number of synergies between Auckland and Brisbane. Chris believes that Brisbane's
"high-level strategic approach is balanced to ensure transport developments are socially, economically and environmentally sustainable, which is very similar to Auckland City Council's approach".
Chris was particularly impressed with Brisbane's focus on public transport as well as the significant development of a walking and cycling network, most notably bikeways. Chris believes that the exchange programme
"has been a very good opportunity from a professional development point of view" and is happy to share his learnings with others.
In addition, meetings are arranged on a regular basis for visiting staff from both councils to promote best practice exchange.
Video conference series
November 2009 will see the start of a new video conference series with Brisbane involving council and external experts.
The aim of the series will be to share knowledge on topics such as bioscience and tourism.
2009 also marks the 20th anniversary of the Auckland-Brisbane international partnership.
Asia Pacific Cities Summit
Asia-Pacific city and business leaders meet every two years to discuss pressing issues of immediate and mutual interest to the region and to explore opportunities for business growth.
Find out more about the 2009 summit in Incheon.
Updated September 2009
