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International Relationships Policy

Reference: P04-001
Status: Approved by the Council on 17 February 2014

1. The Council’s involvement in establishing and maintaining international relationships should contribute to:

• Economic development of the district including, but not limited to, tourism, investment and trade;
• Cultural development of the district including, but not limited to, respect for different cultures and artistic pursuits;
• Social development including, but not limited to, sporting exchanges and horticultural interests;
• Educational development including, but not limited to, links between educational providers, student exchanges and teacher exchanges.

2. The purpose of the International Relations Working Party, in accordance with clause 1, is to:

• Make recommendations to the Policy Committee in respect of international relationships;
• Where formal relationships already exist, work as a catalyst in promoting and encouraging links to both parties’ mutual satisfaction;
• Give active support to organisations who have established, or wish to establish, international relationships.

3. The International Relations Working Party will not exceed 12 members and be comprised of:
i) Councillor;
i) Councillor;
iii) Councillor;
iv) Community representative;
v) Community representative;
vi) Community representative;
vii) Community representative;
viii) Education Taranaki representative;
ix) Tangata Whenua representative;
x) Taranaki Chamber of Commerce representative;
xi) Venture Taranaki Trust (or their successor) representative;
xii) Youth Subcommittee Council representative.

4. The purpose of the International Relations Working Party be ‘to provide advice to the Council on the implementation and administration of the International Relations Policy’.

5. A Council officer should be appointed to:

• Be a single point of contact between New Plymouth District and locations where the Council has a relationship – current and future;
• Undertake the daily requirements of international relations including reporting to the International Relations Working Party as appropriate and as required;
• Establish and maintain a strong working relationship with Venture Taranaki (or its successor) to provide links between business and sister cities.

6. Key performance indicators set by the Council for Venture Taranaki (or its successor) relating to international relations will be monitored.

7. Future International Relationships.

Future international relationships must be established with partners who have:

• A compatible economic base to that of New Plymouth District with the potential to bring mutual economic, social and cultural benefits to the areas;
• A desire to build links between education providers;
• A pre-existing links on which to build the relationship;
• A core of persons or organisations committed to driving the relationship;
• Ideally some expertise with international relationships;
• A genuine interest for a long-term commitment;
• Financial support for exchanges and maintenance of the relationship.

Next reivew 2012.

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