Harrogate is a town in North Yorkshire, England with a rich history and well-preserved heritage. Harrogate became known as the ‘English Spa’ during the Georgian era, after it was discovered its water contained sulfur, salt and iron. In the 17th and 18th centuries its chalybeate waters were a popular health treatment, and the influx of wealthy but sickly visitors contributed significantly to the growth of the town.
The town is a popular tourist destination, with visitors attracted by its spa waters, gardens and proximity to the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Flower shows and afternoon tea are among the great British traditions upheld in the town.
How the relationship began
The Wellington connection with Harrogate began in 1953 when Wellington City Council donated plants for the Harrogate Borough Council's Valley Gardens.
The garden was originally set up to honour WWII servicemen and women, 23 of whom were New Zealand airmen who died while they were stationed in the town.
This prompted the establishment of a New Zealand Garden which officially opened in 1954.
In 1954, Harrogate City Council presented Wellington with a gold mace crafted by a local jeweller. The mace is still used at Council meetings and on ceremonial occasions.
In August 2010, Councillor Ray Ahipene-Mercer, Wellington kaumatua Sam Jackson and June Te Raumanga Jackson travelled to Harrogate to reopen the newly refurbished gardens. They presented the borough of Harrogate with a pou whenua to incorporate into the new gardens.
Highlights
The two cities have recently reconnected through Harrogate International Partnerships - a not-for-profit organisation which has responsibility for the Harrogate sister cities/twinning partnerships.
The two cities have reconnected through this organisation and are looking at a range of cultural and educational events to maintain the relationship.
Some recent highlights include:
- Anzac Day service started in 2022 to honour the four Wellingtonians buried in the Stonefall Commonwealth War Graves cemetery in Harrogate
- refurbishment of the New Zealand Garden, set in Harrogate Valley Gardens.