Tendo exchange students in town
The recent exchange group from Marlborough’s sister city Tendo pictured with Mayor Nadine Taylor and Councillor Sally Arbuckle (far right), Councillor Jonathan Rosene (second from left) and Marlborough Boys’ College interpreter Leon Edsall
Four students and a teacher from Marlborough’s Japanese sister city enjoyed the sights of Marlborough over seven days in March.
The group was hosted by families from Marlborough Boys’ and Girls’ Colleges and spent time at school, visited the Marlborough Sounds with the Marlborough Tour Company, got up close to sheep at Meadowbank farm and tasted chocolate treats at Makana Confections. A welcome dinner at Dodson Street beer garden capped off some fun times.
Council’s Democratic Services Manager Mike Porter said the visit was likely the last by an exchange group to Marlborough due to rising costs although Tendo was keen for the programme to continue online.
Tendo is in Yamagata prefecture in the northern part of the main island of Japan. Marlborough’s Sister City agreement with the city was signed in 1989.
“Since that date there have been many exchange visits, including both city governments for the signing of the Sister Agreement as well as social groups and by special interest groups such as farming and fruit growing co-operatives,” Mr Porter said.
The Japanese style garden in Harling Park, which opened in 2005, was initiated and designed by an architect from Tendo.
“Over the years very generous gifts of money from Tendo have helped fund the garden as well as countless hours by local volunteers and reserve funds from the Sister City account,” he said.
