Two people with a long-standing family connection to Cambridge’s sister city Bihoro have been selected as part of a seven-strong Waipā District delegation to visit Japan this month.
The Cambridge Community Board sought applications from people in the community to join the delegation to Bihoro. More than 15 high-quality applications were received for the self-funded trip.
Cambridge Community Board Chair Jo Davies-Colley and Waipā District Mayor Susan O’Regan selected Alisha Robinson, Robyn Maxwell and Greg Thornton as the successful applicants. They will represent the district alongside Deputy Mayor Liz Stolwyk, Cambridge Ward councillor Philip Coles, and Cambridge Community Board members Alana Mackay and Andrew Myers.
“We looked through an agricultural and educational lens when reviewing the applications, we wanted to choose people who would foster the sister-city relationship and help it grow,” Davies-Colley said.
Alisha and Robyn both have a deeply personal connection to the trip. Robyn is the widow of Murray Maxwell, who worked for Waipā District Council for many years and was instrumental in establishing the sister city relationship with Bihoro in 1997. Robyn has been involved over the decades, maintaining friendships and hosting guests from Bihoro on the family property.
Alisha is Robyn and Murray’s daughter and is passionate about continuing the relationship with Bihoro. A town planner with Beca, Alisha is interested in how the effects of agricultural practices on the environment are managed in Bihoro, compared to New Zealand.
Greg Thornton is the principal of Cambridge High School and is interested in exploring how the relationship can be extended further, including online education opportunities and student exchanges.
“A highlight for delegates will be the trip to Bihoro Pass, a famous mountain pass overlooking Lake Kussharo, Japan’s largest crater lake,” Davies-Colley said.
Delegates will also visit the Bihoro Town Office (their council building), other community facilities, the Murray Maxwell Memorial, local schools, and the Yamanaka Dairy Farm, and attend a cultural event and formal dinner.
Homestay accommodation will be provided in Bihoro as part of the sister city relationship, but travel and other expenses will be funded by candidates, with any council costs limited to an official gift for the delegation.
The selected gift, approved by last month's Community Board meeting, is a custom work by local artist Saoirse Herewini. It will incorporate the sister city themes of friendship, education and agriculture and have a distinct Cambridge flavour, with local stories and symbolism.
Bihoro is an agricultural town of around 20,000 people on the northern end of Japan’s Hokkaido Island. The sister city relationship agreement between Waipā District Council and Bihoro was signed in 1997.
