Consul General MATSUI’s Meeting with the New Whangārei Mayor and Northland Business Leaders
2025/12/12
Following the first meeting of Consul General Matsui with new Whangarei Mayor Ken Couper on 7 November, who kindly guided downtown to the ceremonial start of the International Rally of Whangarei to cheer on Japanese drivers among others, the Consul General and Nisuikai Chairman Mashimo (Obayashi Clean Energy New Zealand Limited) with his team were invited to a industrial site visit at North Point and then to the regional networking event hosted by the Mayor with Council members, key business leaders of Northland Chamber of Commerce such as Northpower, timber processing, biotechnology, transport and supply chain operators, and joined discussion on a mid and long-term regional economic development from wider perspectives connecting with Auckland and off-shore businesses.
On these occasions in Whangarei, Consul General Matsui and Mayor Couper confirmed the significance of promoting business opportunities including future potential of green hydrogen and biomass energy for regional recycling economy and industrial ecosystem as well as local Japanese language education and cultural, sports (including rugby the Mayor has played) and grass-roots exchanges.
We shared an expectation with key business leaders in Northland to pursue sustainable growth with Japan through our strategic and cooperative partnership in trust and common values from now and beyond.
On these occasions in Whangarei, Consul General Matsui and Mayor Couper confirmed the significance of promoting business opportunities including future potential of green hydrogen and biomass energy for regional recycling economy and industrial ecosystem as well as local Japanese language education and cultural, sports (including rugby the Mayor has played) and grass-roots exchanges.
We shared an expectation with key business leaders in Northland to pursue sustainable growth with Japan through our strategic and cooperative partnership in trust and common values from now and beyond.
