Dr Penny Shino, President of JSANZ, attended the Japan New Zealand Business Council’s Annual Joint Meeting in Christchurch on November 24-26. The meeting took conference format with a series of presentation panels delivered by Japanese and NZ delegates spanning areas of business, industry, tourism, primary industry, creative enterprise and education.
The event was also attended by the Ambassador of Japan, Mr Yasuaki Nogawa, the NZ ambassador to Tokyo Mr Mark Sinclair, the former ambassador Mr Ian Kennedy and other diplomats. Outstandingly apparent throughout the meeting was the extent of Japanese investment in NZ and the huge contribution Japanese businesses make to the NZ economy.
And in the same way the courage and tenacity of New Zealanders seeking to trade with Japan, and the rich opportunities which remain were impressive. One challenge emerging from the event was for Oji Group (who produce Nepia – Napier – tissues) to re-brand their product with another Hawkes Bay name: Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapiki- maungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu. Anything seemed possible.