A table tennis demonstration is happening outside the Tauranga City Council offices to celebrate New Zealand China Week.

It is a week of cultural and recreational activities held to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of Tauranga's sister city relationship with Yantai in China.

Priority One projects analyst Michelle McCarthy shows her skills in that most Chinese of activities – table tennis.

Tauranga City Council sister city coordinator Yvonne Tatton says the agreement with Yantai was signed in 1986 by the then Mayo, Noel Pope.

'The original aims of the agreement were to promote goodwill and mutual understanding between the citizens of each nation, and contribute to the peace of the world,” says Yvonne.

A number of activities are planned for the week, including an exhibition of Chinese artefacts, a demonstration and participation in Chinese recreation activities and a screening of Mao's Last Dancer movie.

'The planned schedule of activities is designed to highlight and celebrate the two cities' special relationship and cultural uniqueness,” says Yvonne.

On Thursday there is a Chinese Lantern making demonstration and on Friday there is a Ma-Jong display outside the council offices. Both events are 10am-2pm.

There is also a free concert on Sunday at Tauranga Boys College. This begins at 3.30pm.

New Zealand China Week runs until August 21.