Consul-General's Greetings / Speeches

Kia ora! Hello, everyone.
 
My name is Suguru Minoya, and I have recently taken up my post as the Consul General of Japan in Auckland.
 
New Zealand holds a truly special place in my heart, as my involvement with this country spans many years. This began with my posting at the Embassy of Japan in Wellington from 2007 to 2010, followed by handling New Zealand affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters. I am profoundly honored to  have opportunity to serve in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city and a dynamic hub of its economy, culture, and education. I am also keenly aware of the significant responsibility that accompanies this role.
 
Since my last posting in New Zealand, Auckland has evolved into an even more cosmopolitan and vibrant city. At the same time, relations between Japan and New Zealand have steadily deepened across a wide range of fields, encompassing politics, economics, people-to-people exchanges, and many other areas. In terms of the economy, next year will be 10^th anniversary since the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) entered into force. In recent years, our security cooperation has likewise advanced into a new phase, as we strengthen our collaboration as true strategic partners.
 
Next year will mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. Our "Strategic Cooperative Partnership," founded on shared values such as freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, is becoming increasingly vital in today's world of growing international uncertainty.
 
These robust bilateral relations are not solely built upon intergovernmental cooperation. They are profoundly supported by the daily efforts and dedication of the approximately 13,000 Japanese nationals residing in our consular jurisdiction, Japanese companies, and the numerous stakeholders across various fields who serve as bridges between Japan and New Zealand.
 
The paramount mission of the Consulate General is to ensure the safety and well-being of Japanese nationals residing here. With the steady increase in the number of Japanese residents in our jurisdiction in recent years, we are committed to continuously enhancing our consular services to ensure everyone can live, study, work, and conduct business with peace of mind. Furthermore, by deepening our collaboration with the Japanese community including the Auckland and Hamilton Japanese Associations as well as Japanese schools, supplementary Japanese language schools, and Japanese language educators, we aim to be a Consulate General that is readily accessible and reliable for all.
 
People-to-people exchanges constitute the very foundation of the amicable relations between Japan and New Zealand. Within our jurisdiction, there are 20 sister city and friendship city relationships, fostering citizen-level exchanges that have been cultivated over many years. Moreover, diverse exchanges—such as the JET Program, study abroad programs, working holidays, sports, culture, and academic collaborations—underscore the mutual understanding between our two nations. We firmly believe that these grassroots exchanges are the greatest asset in our bilateral relationship, and the Consulate General is dedicated to actively supporting their further development.
 
Economically, Japan and New Zealand are important equally indispensable partners to one another. Many Japanese companies have established a significant presence in our consular district, thereby contributing substantially to the development of the local economy. Furthermore, business leaders, including those in the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Auckland Incorporated (Nisuikai), have long been instrumental in fostering the growth of Japan-New Zealand economic relations. In recent years, remarkable opportunities for collaboration have emerged not only in fields such as renewable energy, food and agricultural technology, space, hydrogen, and advanced technologies, but also prominently in the areas of startups and innovation. By connecting New Zealand—a country celebrated for its world-class entrepreneurial spirit—with Japan’s advanced technological capabilities and expansive market, the Consulate General is committed to actively facilitating the creation of new business and cooperation ventures.
 
The Consulate General of Japan in Auckland is steadfastly committed to serving as a bridge connecting Japanese residents with the local community, and as a pivotal hub for further cultivating enduring friendship and cooperation between Japan and New Zealand.
 
We sincerely ask for your continued understanding and support.
 
June 2026
Minoya Suguru
Consul General of Japan in Auckland