Supporting communities to engage internationally with confidence
Eastern Bridge works alongside local governments, iwi and hapū, and schools to support meaningful international engagement at a community level.
Our role is to provide the capability, continuity, and support needed to establish and manage international relationships in a way that is practical, low-risk, and aligned with community priorities.
This page provides an overview of how we work with communities. Detailed information for each group is available on the pages below.
At a glance
- Works with local government, iwi and hapū, and schools
- Focus on long-term, people-to-people relationships
- Community relationship management provided without management fees
- Non-political and non-partisan
- Emphasis on youth, education, and cultural exchange
- Clear scope, accountability, and safeguards
A community-first model
International engagement can deliver significant benefits for communities, but it also requires time, specialist knowledge, and ongoing commitment.
Eastern Bridge exists to remove common barriers by:
- Providing dedicated international relations management capability
- Reducing cost and administrative burden
- Managing risk through clear processes and trusted relationships
- Ensuring engagement aligns with community values and priorities
We work under the direction of our partners and do not impose pre-determined programmes or agendas.
Who we partner with
Eastern Bridge’s community partnerships fall into three main groups. Each has distinct needs and opportunities, and our approach is tailored accordingly.
Local Government
We work with councils to:
- Establish new international relationships
- Revitalise existing or inactive sister city relationships
- Join regional or provincial relationships (such as Jiangxi)
- Identify opportunities for youth, education, cultural exchange, and economic engagement
Our role is to provide continuity, communication, and programme development support without adding cost or risk.
Learn more: Local Government →
Iwi & Hapū
We work with iwi and hapū as equal partners in international engagement.
Our approach:
- Supports iwi-to-city and iwi-to-institution relationships
- Embeds tikanga and Māori processes
- Prioritises rangatahi, cultural exchange, and education pathways
- Enables iwi participation alongside local government, not subordinate to it
Learn more: Iwi & Hapū →
Schools
We support schools to engage internationally in ways that are safe, structured, and manageable.
This includes:
- Sister school relationships
- Student exchanges and study tours
- Pathways for students into further education and international opportunities
- Pastoral care and safeguarding frameworks
Participation is voluntary and designed to minimise burden on school staff.
Learn more: Schools →
Programmes and opportunities
Across all community partnerships, Eastern Bridge supports a range of activities, including:
- Youth and volunteer programmes
- Cultural and educational exchanges
- Study tours and reciprocal visits
- Community-led initiatives
- Where appropriate, pathways into trade, education, or investment engagement
Not all programmes are suitable for every community. Activities are developed collaboratively and reflect local priorities.
Cost, risk, and accountability
Eastern Bridge’s community partnership model is designed to be accessible.
- No management fees for councils, iwi, or schools
- Clear scope and written agreements
- Optional participation in programmes and delegations
- Transparent discussion of any cost recovery or commercial activity in advance
Our aim is to enable engagement, not create additional risk or obligation.
How to get started
Engaging with Eastern Bridge typically begins with:
- An initial conversation to understand priorities
- Agreement on scope and focus
- Formal recognition of the partnership (e.g. endorsement or agreement of friendship)
- Ongoing communication and programme development
Details vary by partner type and are outlined on the relevant pages.
Explore partnership pathways
To learn more about how Eastern Bridge works with different community partners, please visit:
Each page provides specific information on scope, process, and opportunities.