Town's moving closer to 'twin'

FORGING TIES: Carterton residents Murray and Ann Nielsen met the mayor of Carterton, England, Lynn Little (centre) during their trip to Europe in June. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

The Carterton District Council is hoping to put itself on the map as a destination for English visitors by strengthening ties with its "twin" in England.

Councillors voted to support the idea of forming a sister city relationship with Carterton, England at last week's council meeting, after receiving a "twinning" request from the mayor of the English town.

Carterton has already had a long association with the Oxfordshire town, with residents and councillors from both countries making a number of informal trips.

The most recent journey was made by residents Ann and Murray Nielsen, who visited the town during their trip to Europe in June.

Councillor Jill Greathead, who visited the town in 2009, said it was an opportunity to make Carterton a travel destination.

"I just think it's really nice to have someone halfway across the world. They will have people travelling to New Zealand and they will feel really welcome.

"We're a little country town in New Zealand and isn't it wonderful that they want to have that relationship."

She hoped to visit again next year or the year after, she said.

Mayor John Booth said he hoped to form a stronger relationship with the English counterpart.

"More than anything it's a social benefit. If they are wanting to come over to New Zealand to meet people they can, and the same for us here."

"It's amazing the relationships that can develop from that."