For councils, iwi and CCOs

International relationships, without the worry.

New Zealand’s trusted bridge to China and Asia. Since 2014 we have been the international relations team for councils that don’t have one of their own: checking approaches, looking after sister cities and delegations, and reporting back plainly.

Book a call

See the services

Your first 30 minutes are free and confidential.

Simon Appleton in a meeting with council and partner-city officials

Who we work with

District and city councils

Sister cities, delegations and approaches, looked after month to month.

Regional councils and groups

A region working together on one relationship, such as a sister province.

Council-controlled organisations

CCOs at the community rate, on their own or as part of a regional group.

Iwi and hapū

Your own relationships in China, on your own terms. Iwi and Māori organisations →

Two ways we can help

Community prices for New Zealand councils, iwi and CCOs working on their own community’s international relationships, confirmed in writing. Full prices and terms.

Ongoing support

Community International Relations

$900 + GST a month for 8 hours

for one council, iwi or CCO, or $5,000 + GST a month for 40 hours for a regional group of up to 10. 12-month minimum.

Sister-city and partner liaison, in Chinese and English
Delegations, protocol and approaches handled
Monthly summary, annual plan and a report you can table

What’s included and pricing →

Start here

China Readiness Review

$1,200 + GST, fixed

3–4 weeks. Credited in full if you go on to Community International Relations.

A review of your existing links and MOUs
A light check on up to three current partners
A 2–4 page report, a 12-month plan and a debrief

What you get →

Proof, not promises

Since 2014

looking after councils’ international relationships

councils supported, 23 of them at once in 2019

2015

helped LGNZ with the first NZ–China Mayoral Forum

2019

Bay of Plenty Regional Council–Jiangxi relationship formalised

Eastern Bridge provided valuable due diligence and international engagement training for our staff and elected members. Understanding the risks and opportunities of international partnerships is essential for councils, and Simon helped ensure we approached these relationships in a well-informed way.

John Tregidga
Former Mayor — Hauraki District Council

Simon’s work through Eastern Bridge helped bring several New Zealand councils together to collaborate in the international relations space. Rather than working in isolation, councils were able to share knowledge and opportunities that benefited multiple communities.

John Forbes
Former Mayor — Ōpōtiki District Council