In this issue
Dated: 27
September
2010
Official Japan/New Zealand Sister City relationships
There are 42 official sister city relationships between New Zealand and Japan. New Zealand has more local governmental international affiliations with Japan than with any other country, whereas, New Zealand is the 9th most prevalent country for Japanese local government international affiliations. The first sister city agreement was signed between Christchurch and Kurashiki-shi (Okayama Prefecture) on 7 March, 1973.
Jetache is…
The newsletter of the JET Alumni Association of the South Island. JET Alumni is an association of past participants on the Japan Exchange Teaching programme (JET).For their latest newsletter click here
Japan, New Zealand Business Council (Inc.)
37th Annual Joint Meeting, 6 - 8 october 2010, Sebel Trinity Wharf, Tauranga
2010 Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is seen as a reliable means to evaluate and certify the Japanese proficiency of non-native speakers.the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) will be offered on Sunday 5 December. For more information Click here.
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Greetings valued member, welcome to the latest edtion
of the Sister Cities Newsletter - we trust that you will find it both entertaining and informative.
Special Tribute to H.E.Ambassador Toshihiro Takahashi
His Excellency, Ambassador Toshihiro Takahashi, (seen here with Mr Sugaru Minoya) arrived in Wellington on 11 April 2007 to begin his term as Japanese Ambassador to New Zealand. He was also accredited to the Independent State of Samoa. He left New Zealand at the end of his term on the 17th September 2010.
Ambassador Takahashi has been a true friend to New Zealand and has played a role in many important areas of the overall relationship between New Zealand and Japan. On an international scale, peace and security, a cleaner global environment, energy security and assistance to developing countries were among the many issues on which the two countries shared concerns. Bilaterally, he has focused on the trends in trade, investment and the commercial sector generally.
His links to, and support for Sister Cities NZ came through an active cultural and educational approach to exchanges, festivals and other cultural events which he saw as being evidence of the growing friendship and deeper understanding between New Zealand and Japan.
In saying farewell, Mr Takahashi spoke of his appreciation for the friendship, support and cooperation extended to him during his term of office and leaves with fond memories of his time here.
Nonoichi, Japan and Gisborne, celebrate the 20th anniversary of their Sister City relationship
Gisborne celebrated its 20th anniversary by hosting a 33 strong delegation from Nonoichi in Japan, including Mayor and Mayoress Takaaki Awa, from 16-19 August this year. (Mayor and Mayoress Poon and Mayor and Mayoress Takaaka Awa, are seen cutting a cake to represent the event) The delegation was hosted and welcomed to Gisborne with a Powhiri at Lytton High School Marae and the students paired with host families. That evening a 20th anniversary celebration Civic Dinner was held for the visitors plus 120 guests . The visit had a strong educational focus with the delegation split into 2 groups - one touring the Sth island, while the accompanying two Principals, two teachers, Town Official and 12 students toured Lytton High School and participated in a Japanese class.
Mayoress Awa is a primary school teacher, and took the chance to visit two primary schools to exchange information about education programmes and foster opportunities for student exchanges
Mayor and Mayoress Awa were also hosted by the Gisborne Chamber of Commerce and visited a range of Gisborne businesses – The purpose was to showcase local products and services and discuss potential opportunities.
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