Events to celebrate New Zealand links

Wanganui Council’s Governance Services Manager will meet with Lisburn City Council at Lagan Valley Island.

He will then be hosted at Ballance House by the Ulster New Zealand Trust.

Also later this month the Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum will host an exhibition in the Rotunda at Lagan Valley Island.

Marking the anniversary, the exhibition will be explaining the historical connection to Wanganui , where Glenavy native, later New Zealand Prime Mi nister, John Ballance, settled upon emigrating.

To further mark the occasion the Arts Service has organised a programme, working with local schools and community groups.

The programme of Maori-inspired workshops, including dance and costume, will come together as part of the Culture Night initiative on Friday, September 19.

The activities will be recorded and it is anticipated they will form part of a video link-up between Lisburn and Wanganui.

This is to be organised for later this autumn.