Visit by the Okinawa Association of Corporate Executives to Auckland (23 October 2026)

On 23 October, Consul General MINOYA Suguru met with a 19-member delegation from the Okinawa Association of Corporate Executives, led by Ms FUCHIBE Miki, Chairperson of the Association, at the Consulate-General of Japan in Auckland. Consul General MINOYA provided an overview of New Zealand's political, economic and social situation, and exchanged views with the delegation on a wide range of topics, including urban development, renewable energy, innovation, start-ups, and opportunities for cooperation between Okinawa and New Zealand.
 
Later that evening, Consul General MINOYA and his wife hosted a welcome reception for the delegation at their official residence. The reception was attended by members of the delegation, as well as representatives of the New Zealand Government, Auckland Council, universities, the business community and the local Japanese community.
 
At the reception, following remarks by Consul General MINOYA and Ms FUCHIBE, Dr Alexandra Bonham, Chair of the Waitematā Local Board, and Mr Simon Draper, Acting Manager of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Auckland Office, delivered remarks highlighting the close ties between Japan and New Zealand and the potential for further cooperation.
 
The Okinawa Association of Corporate Executives also presented a display of Okinawan specialty products. Guests enjoyed traditional Okinawan dishes, including jimami tofu, ninjin shirishiri and Okinawa soki soba, prepared by the Consulate's chef, Mr KITAZONO.
 
We hope that this visit will further strengthen ties between Okinawa and New Zealand and open up new opportunities for cooperation in a wide range of fields, including business and innovation.