ANDREW Barr is leading a three-day delegation to Wellington.

“The main objective of the Wellington delegation is to formally commence the Sister City agreement between our two cities, and to promote Canberra to members of the Wellington business community and government,” Andrew said.

“I will be involved in a range of events that will start our Sister City relationship with Wellington. These events will build our relationship in the areas of cultural exchange, tourism, knowledge sharing, urban renewal, and support local innovation and technology businesses.

“The government is excited about fostering great relationships with the Wellington City Council, business and community leaders. We are also making a formal commitment to the delivery of Canberra Week in Wellington, with the inaugural week to be held in November 2016.

“Joining me on the delegation will be managing director of Canberra Airport Stephen Byron, chief executive of the Canberra Business Chamber Robyn Hendry, chief executive of CBR Innovation Network Sarah Pearson and Ken Helm AM of Helm Wines and the Chair of the Canberra International Riesling Challenge.

“The first direct international flights from Canberra to Wellington will take off in September, creating enormous benefits for both our cities. I look forward to working with the government, businesses and community of Wellington to make this a highly successful partnership.”