Published: 2 October 2026
From the Grand Canyon to Disneyland, Lower Hutt’s Jemima Tito returned from Arizona with new experiences, international friendships and memories to last a lifetime.
Jemima was one of four Lower Hutt students who travelled to Tempe in July 2025 as part of the Hutt Sister City Foundation student exchange.
While there, the students joined about 45 other young people from countries including Ireland, France, Ecuador and Germany.
They explored Tempe, visited the Grand Canyon and Disneyland, celebrated the Fourth of July, went to a Diamondbacks baseball game and met the Mayor of Tempe.
“I left Tempe with a lifetime of amazing memories with people from all over the world, and forever friends,” Jemima says.
The experience began closer to home when Jemima and the other Lower Hutt delegates welcomed students from Tempe. Jemima says they shared some of their favourite places and experiences in Lower Hutt and around Aotearoa.
“We showed them everything Lower Hutt has to offer and how much of a special place it is to all of us.”
Now another group of Lower Hutt students has the chance to follow in their footsteps.
The programme is open to students who live and attend school in the Hutt City Council area and are in Year 11 or 12 when applications close.
Successful applicants will take part in a three to four-week exchange. The selection process includes a short speech, interview and home visit.
Applicants need to submit a completed application, provide a supporting letter from their school and pay a $20 application fee.
The Hutt Sister City Foundation contributes $1000 towards each delegate’s airfares plus travel insurance and US visas, with delegates and their families fundraising together to help meet other costs.
Applications close on 26 October.
You can find eligibility details and information on how to apply here
Photo caption: Visiting the Grand Canyon was a highlight for Jemima when she visited the US.