SISTER CITY PARTNERSHIPS

Palmerston North, New Zealand and Neckargemund, Germany

The Importance of Sister Cities: Building Global Connections

On Saturday, June 14th, Missoula came together to celebrate our enduring friendship with Palmerston North, New Zealand through the dedication of a handcrafted bench at Fort Missoula Regional Park. Mayor Andrea Davis gave remarks on the importance of cross-cultural exchange and the deep value of international friendship. Jake Kreilick reflected on the rich history of connection through the Rugby community, sharing stories that tied the Missoula Maggots and New Zealand’s famed All Blacks together in camaraderie and sport. Heather Adams, Executive Director of Arts Missoula, read a heartfelt letter from Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith, who visited Missoula in 2022, further reinforcing the strength and meaning of this sister city bond.

A poignant highlight of the event was a blessing by Terry Tanner, a retired Salish/Kootenai Culture Keeper, who honored the significance of native lands both here and abroad, grounding the celebration in deep respect and shared humanity.

The event also featured croquet and New Zealand-style ice cream from local business Chur, making it a joyful community gathering.

Special thanks to the Kreilick Family Foundation for their support, Missoula Parks and Recreation for installing this cultural marker, and to the talented pony carvers from A Carousel for Missoula who lovingly crafted the bench. Your artistry and generosity help keep this meaningful relationship alive for generations to come.

See more photos and videos from the event here, including the blessing of the bench, remarks from Mayor Davis, Jake Kreilick, Terry Tanner, and the smiling faces of the Missoulians who love Palmerston North, NZ! 

If you would like to visit the bench, please see the attached map, or click here to see its exact location in Google Maps

Partnerships between cities in different countries foster cultural exchange, economic collaboration, and lasting friendships. The origins of sister cities come from a much deeper need: the rebuilding of bridges after one of the most destructive events in human history—World War II.

After World War II, the world was sharply divided, both physically and emotionally. Countries that had once been allies found themselves separated by political ideologies, economic struggles, and the scars of war. The devastation of the conflict left a pressing question: how could societies rebuild trust and cooperation across borders? Sister city programs emerged as one answer to this challenge.

The idea of sister cities began in the late 1940s and early 1950s, when communities across the globe sought ways to heal these divides. Local governments, inspired by the vision of peace and reconciliation, began to partner with cities in other countries. These partnerships were more than symbolic; they allowed citizens to connect on a human level, breaking down the barriers that separated nations. By promoting cultural understanding, mutual respect, and cooperation, sister cities became a platform for citizens to meet face-to-face, share their experiences, and find common ground.

Missoula’s Sister Cities began in the 80’s and 90’s and both came out of the Missoulians having deep ties with members of those communities. Today, sister cities continue to play a crucial role in fostering international relationships. They provide opportunities for cultural exchange through arts, education, and business ventures. These partnerships promote deeper global engagement, enriching both communities through shared projects and events.

Sister cities remind us that even in divided times, the power of connection can transcend borders, creating lasting friendships and collaborations that benefit everyone. By embracing these relationships, cities can not only look back at their origins with pride but also look forward to a future of global unity and understanding.

Sister cities are long-term social agreements between two communities in two countries.

Missoula is twinned with Palmerston North, New Zealand (since 1981) and 

Neckargemünd, Germany (since 1993).

Sister Cities International (SCI) was created at President Eisenhower’s 1956 White House conference on citizen diplomacy.  As a member of the SCI network, Missoula belongs to one of the oldest and largest networks of citizen diplomats in the world. Our objective is to cultivate friendship and understanding among different cultures and to celebrate and magnify the catalytic power of people-to-people interaction, one individual, one community at a time.