MESSAGE from Consul
It is my great pleasure to be assigned here in Christchurch as Consul.
I arrived here on 22 March 2012 to assume my position as Consul at the Consular Office of Japan. My previous posting was in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Compared with the hot temperatures of Borneo’s perennial summer, the weather in Christchurch in early autumn is slightly chilly, but I find the beautiful streets of this “Garden City” charming.
The effects of the earthquake of 22 February are still visible everywhere and I am impressed by the people of Christchurch making progress towards a strong resurgence. I believe that the city can become all the more beautiful through the people’s hard work and cooperation.
Also, when the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake struck on 11 March last year, New Zealanders, and in particular the Canterburians immediately lent their hands in support even in the midst of your own difficulties. We shall never forget your kind assistance.
Finally, as I begin my work here, my personal motto is “Treasure every encounter for it will never return”, so I wish to place importance upon meeting the people of Canterbury to deepen mutual understanding, and I shall work towards promoting friendly relations between Japan and New Zealand in whatever way I can.
1 May, 2012
Minoru KIKUCHI