Patricia Jones – Nelson’s first Sister City Coordinator

​Patricia “Pat” Jones, a tireless advocate for international relations through her work for the Sister City project, passed away on 25 March 2022.

Since the late 1980’s, Pat had nurtured Nelson's sister city relationships and was a key figure in establishing Sister City ties with Huangshi (1995) and Eureka (2004-2014). In 1995 she was appointed Nelson's first Sister City Coordinator, a voluntary position she held until 2007. She also served on the NZ Sister City Board from 1990–1998.

Following an official delegation’s visit to Nelson from Miyazu in 1987, Pat – together with the then-Mayor Peter Malone – returned the favour, travelling to Japan in 1990, her first of seven trips to the country.

Pat recalled that initial trip (her first one abroad) in a chapter of her 2008 book, “A Violet Revealed”. Finally arriving in Miyazu after several close-call transportation issues, she wrote, “I was stunned when a crowd of people rushed into the carriage, including a photographer. I recognised some of the people. They took my suitcase and gave me a great welcome. I was swept away to a limousine lined with silk curtains ... there were speeches and flowers, and I was overwhelmed.”

Under Pat’s guidance, the relationship between Nelson and Miyazu remained strong. At 45 years old, it is the second-oldest Sister City relationship in New Zealand today. Her contributions to the Nelson–Miyazu relationship are too many to list and include the organisation of the city-wide Festival of Japan in 1990; the formation of the 1993 Nelson Miyazu Sister City Association; and the official opening of Miyazu Garden – the plans for which she first presented to the Miyazu local government during her earlier trip to Japan – by Miyazu Deputy Mayor Hashimoto. In recognition of her dedication, she was made a Life Member of the Nelson Miyazu Sister City Association in 2006.

“I believe our friendship contributes to world peace and happiness. This friendship is largely due to the selfless effort of Patricia Jones,” Miyazu Mayor Tokuda said in the 1980s.

“Pat gave years of service to this city with her encouragement for the Sister City commitment. Over the nine years when I was Mayor, Pat continued to give incredible service to this city and the region at personal cost to further the peaceful relationship with international families over the world,” said Paul Matheson, who was mayor of Nelson from 1998–2007.

“We have been honoured to have Pat represent us as a city and region on the international and domestic stage, and I and the city have lost a lovely New Zealander and Nelsonian.”

In 2021, Sister Cities New Zealand celebrated its 40th anniversary, reflecting the enthusiasm and drive of its membership, and speaking to the wide-ranging benefits that can come from Sister City links.