by Metropol | July 8, 2026 8:33 am
This past month, I had the privilege of leading a delegation to China, focused on strengthening relationships, exploring innovation, and identifying opportunities to deliver real benefits for Christchurch.
Our visit began in Qingdao, where we discussed shared priorities around sustainable development, transport, and economic growth with the city’s mayor.
A highlight was visiting CRRC, the global leader in rail technology – their trackless tram systems were particularly impressive. We went to Wuhan, our sister city, where we were warmly welcomed by the mayor and visited an advanced wastewater treatment plant, which offered practical insights into how new technologies are being used. We also spent time in Honghu, recognising the legacy of Rewi Alley. His contribution remains a reminder of the enduring connection between New Zealand and China.
Our final stop was Shenzhen, where we formally elevated our relationship to a sister city partnership. It’s a reflection of how far the relationship has come and our shared ambition. We also engaged with technology companies and visited another water treatment facility, which highlighted the pace of innovation and opened up opportunities for future collaboration.
On the way back from China, I attended the World Cities Summit 2026 in Singapore. The Summit brings together city leaders and practitioners to work through the shared challenges of building more liveable and sustainable cities. The purpose of these visits is to build relationships, learn from others, and turn new ideas home into tangible outcomes for our communities.
Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/china-town-mayor-phil-mauger/
Copyright ©2026 Metropol unless otherwise noted.