Hania (also spelled Chania) is a city in Greece, it lies along the north west coast of the island of Crete.
A place where different civilizations have flourished throughout the centuries - after Arabs and Byzantines it was conquered by Venetians in 1252 and was given to Turks in 1669. It was annexed to the rest of the Greek State in 1913.
Hania was severely damaged in 1941 during the German invasion of Crete in World War II. After the war, improvements to neighbouring Soúdas Bay strengthened the city’s position as a major port of Crete.
How the relationship began
The Hania-Wellington Historical Sister City relationship was formed in 1984 to celebrate the contribution of the Greek and Cretan communities to Wellington and the strong links formed since WWII.
A special relationship developed between New Zealand and the Hania area of Crete. This area was the scene of some of the fiercest fighting during the 1941 Battle of Crete, which was between New Zealand and German troops.
The commemorate the relationship, an olive tree was planted in the grounds of the Michael Fowler Centre to commemorate the relationship. A Greek-New Zealand Memorial can also be found on Kent and Cambridge terraces.
In addition, the former Lloyd Street was also renamed Hania Street. The street was chosen due to the location of the Greek Orthodox Church of Wellington, which serves the local Greek community. The church is in Mount Victoria, which was where the first Greek migrants to Wellington chose to make their home. There is also a Wellington Street near Nea Hora beach in Hania.
Highlights
As an historic sister city, our relations with Hania have primarily been focused on ceremonial and commemorative links, but some highlights of the relationship include:
- mayoral delegations and visits between Hania and Wellington
- 80th Battle of Crete commemorations
- participation in anniversary events.
Ongoing activity includes Wellington’s celebration of Hania Day on May 20, which is also when commemorations for the Battle of Crete take place.