Tempe, Arizona, USA

Sister City since 1981

Tempe is the first sister city that Lower Hutt has partnered with. The Hutt-Tempe relationship has involved a wide range of exchange programmes including students, educators, police, accountants, and supermarket staff.

We currently run a student exchange for three Year 12/13 students of all genders, and a teacher exchange for two teachers.

key Facts

Where is Tempe? 

The city of Tempe, Arizona is located around10 minutes from Phoenix City’s Sky Harbour International Airport.

With a population of 158,000, it is the fifth largest city in the state of Arizona.

Tempe’s major industries are technology, manufacturing, education, commerce and tourism.

Tempe and Lower Hutt signed a sister city agreement in 1981 and the relationship has involved a range of exchanges - two of which are run by Hutt Sister City Foundation (HSCF).

With 43 elementary and middle schools, and six high schools, Tempe is also home to the fifth largest university in the country, Arizona State University (ASU) .

Tempe is most commonly pronounced, temp-ee.
A person who lives in Tempe is called a Tempean.

Tempe got its name in 1879. According to the City of Tempe, "'Lord' Darrell Duppa, an Englishman who helped establish Phoenix, is credited with suggesting the name. The sight of the butte and the wide river, and the nearby expanse of green fields, reminded him of the Vale of Tempe in ancient Greece.”

a high-tech mecca

Several mayoral delegations from Lower Hutt have travelled to Tempe over the years, establishing business relationships.  We value the relationships we have with the science, technology and manufacturing industry as they continue to boost our local economy with inspiration and development potential.