Have you savoured a delicious tonkotsu ramen or visited the Fukuoka Friendship Garden at Western Springs Lakeside Park?
We have Fukuoka in Japan to thank for both – and more. The city is the birthplace of the pork broth and noodle dish that’s popular here in Auckland, and the garden was a gift from their city to ours.
This year, Auckland and Fukuoka are celebrating 40 years of making our friendship official.
On 24 June 1986, then-Auckland City Mayor Dame Cath Tizard and Fukuoka’s Mayor Shinto signed a sister-city agreement to encourage cultural understanding and promote education, culture, tourism and trade connections.
Tao Chen, Auckland Council’s Manager of International Relations, says that in the 40 years since the signing, Auckland and Fukuoka have fostered an enduring partnership.
“It’s a relationship enriched by four decades of connections between people and culture, as well as collaboration in business, tech and innovation.”
Sōichirō Takashima has been Mayor of Fukuoka since 2010 and has visited Auckland several times. Next month, Mayor Takashima and his delegation will visit Auckland again to see old friends and visit Auckland Council innovation hub, GridAKL in Wynyard Quarter.
Mayor Takashima visiting GridAKL in 2016.
Councillor’s personal connection to Fukuoka
There are strong civic links between our two cities, but for Howick Ward Councillor Bo Burns, her connection to Fukuoka is a personal one. She tells us about it.
Cr Bo Burns, aged 10, with her host family in Fukuoka.
Please tell us about you and Fukuoka.
When I was 10, I won a nationwide competition through the New Zealand Herald. To win this prize, I wrote an essay and was selected as one of 40 children from New Zealand to visit Japan. Each group of 40 represented a different country, and our host city was Fukuoka. It was an incredible opportunity and one that left a lasting impression on me and a love for the city.
What were the highlights of your first visit?
There were so many memorable moments. I was captivated by the beautiful flowers and colours, the kindness of the people, and how safe and welcoming everything felt. I loved experiencing the fast-paced lifestyle, trying the amazing food, visiting the stunning temples, and of course riding on the famous bullet train. For a 10-year-old from New Zealand, it felt like stepping into another world.
Have you kept up contact with your host family?
Amazingly, yes. When my daughter was 12, I took her to Fukuoka as part of a school trip. I spent six months trying to track down my host family and finally found them the night before we flew out from Auckland. It was an emotional and unforgettable experience meeting them again more than 30 years later. They were still living in the same home, and incredibly, our daughters met at a similar age from when we had first met. Since then, they have visited us in New Zealand, and we have maintained a strong friendship. I am now hoping my younger daughter will have the opportunity to experience Fukuoka and continue that special connection.
What similarities do you see between Fukuoka and Auckland?
The biggest similarities are the people and the spirit of innovation. Both cities are known for being welcoming, forward-thinking, and great places to live. While Fukuoka has a much larger population than Auckland, both cities enjoy beautiful natural surroundings, strong coastal connections, and a focus on creating vibrant communities where people can thrive.
What value do you see in these city-to-city partnerships?
City-to-city partnerships create opportunities that go far beyond diplomacy. They build lifelong friendships, encourage cultural understanding, and open doors for educational, business, tourism, and community exchanges. My own experience is proof that relationships formed through these partnerships can last a lifetime and have a positive impact across generations.
How can we use international relationships to benefit Auckland in the future?
These relationships provide Auckland with opportunities to learn from other cities, share ideas, attract investment, and strengthen trade and tourism connections. Fukuoka is recognised internationally for its innovation, technology sector, urban planning, and entrepreneurship. By working closely together, Auckland can learn from their successes while showcasing our own strengths. Most importantly, these partnerships create opportunities for our young people, businesses, and communities to connect globally and build relationships that can benefit Auckland for decades to come.
