Consul General MATSUI visits Whangarei (24 September 2024)
2024/9/30
On 24 September, Consul General MATSUI paid an official visit to Whangarei.
Firstly, in his courtesy call to Mayor of Whangarei Vince Cocurullo, the Consul General discussed the role of the Consulate-General of Japan, the successful outcome of Prime Minister Luxon’s recent visit of Japan, the contributions by Japanese businesses and various people-to-people exchanges between Japan and NZ to the local economy and cultural diversity as well as the importance of many years of Japanese language education. The Mayor, welcoming the visit, mentioned the city’s main priorities and his willingness to strengthen the city’s ties with Japan. Both sides confirmed the need for cooperation in case of situations involving the safety of Japanese people, support of the local Japanese companies’ activities and also the importance of Japanese language education at local schools.
Afterwards, the Consul General visited Onerahi Primary School, where he was welcomed, together with Ms Yoshioka, Japanese National Language adviser at Tui Tuia dispatched from Japan Foundation, with Powhiri (a Maori traditional ceremony) by students and teachers of the Japanese language class. Consul General Matsui encouraged their study and ‘onigiri-making’ in class and expressed his sincere appreciation to Principal MacGregor and other teachers for continuing Japanese language education as well as his commitment to supporting their effort.
Furthermore, Consul General Matsui visited Marusumi Whangarei Co Ltd, which has been manufacturing woodchips from replanted conifer trees, also using waste material, to export to Japan for making paper and new material products.
He expressed his gratitude for the operational briefing, while explaining the recent Japanese government effort to support the local Japanese companies and confirming cooperation by the Consulate-General of Japan in Auckland.
Firstly, in his courtesy call to Mayor of Whangarei Vince Cocurullo, the Consul General discussed the role of the Consulate-General of Japan, the successful outcome of Prime Minister Luxon’s recent visit of Japan, the contributions by Japanese businesses and various people-to-people exchanges between Japan and NZ to the local economy and cultural diversity as well as the importance of many years of Japanese language education. The Mayor, welcoming the visit, mentioned the city’s main priorities and his willingness to strengthen the city’s ties with Japan. Both sides confirmed the need for cooperation in case of situations involving the safety of Japanese people, support of the local Japanese companies’ activities and also the importance of Japanese language education at local schools.
Afterwards, the Consul General visited Onerahi Primary School, where he was welcomed, together with Ms Yoshioka, Japanese National Language adviser at Tui Tuia dispatched from Japan Foundation, with Powhiri (a Maori traditional ceremony) by students and teachers of the Japanese language class. Consul General Matsui encouraged their study and ‘onigiri-making’ in class and expressed his sincere appreciation to Principal MacGregor and other teachers for continuing Japanese language education as well as his commitment to supporting their effort.
Furthermore, Consul General Matsui visited Marusumi Whangarei Co Ltd, which has been manufacturing woodchips from replanted conifer trees, also using waste material, to export to Japan for making paper and new material products.
He expressed his gratitude for the operational briefing, while explaining the recent Japanese government effort to support the local Japanese companies and confirming cooperation by the Consulate-General of Japan in Auckland.
 |
 |
 |
| Consul General MATSUI and Mayor Cocurullo |
Consul General MATSUI and Principal MacGregor |
General MATSUI and Mr Tateishi and Mr Ariji from Marusumi Whangarei Co., Ltd |
 |
 |
| Consul General MATSUI and students from Onerahi Primary School |
‘Onigiri-making’ class |