Assistant Director Tanimoto, who is seconded from Kochi Prefectural Government, completed a 10-day internship program at the Whakatane District Council from 5 to 14 Aug. Whakatane District Council is located in the Bay of Plenty region, where many prosperous primary industries are based. During the 10 days, Mr Tanimoto mainly focused on learning about forestry in New Zealand. He also learnt about various government led projects, in particular, forestry related projects in Rotorua, Kawerau and Tauranga. During his internship, junior high school students from Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture, were also in Whakatane to participate in a school exchange and homestay program to learn about New Zealand culture. Mr Tanimoto was invited to a reception for the students and had an opportunity to interact with them, and witnessed the exchanges between Shibukawa and Whakatane.
Mr Tanimoto also visited Tauranga, a sister city of Susaki in Kochi Prefecture, to pay a courtesy call on Mayor Greg Brownless. Mr Tanimoto and Mayor Brownless discussed the Yosakoi Festival and its spread from Kochi to the world.
During his internship, Mr Tanimoto was able to learn not only about the local administration and primary industries in New Zealand, but also various aspects of Maori culture. He was able to gain a first-hand understanding about ethnic diversity initiatives in New Zealand, such as the fact that in New Zealand, the official languages are English, Maori, and New Zealand sign language.
Mr Tanimoto is extremely grateful to Mayor Tony Bonne who kindly accepted his internship request, Ms Janie Storey at Whakatane District Council who planned a solid internship program, and Mr Andrew Illes, Chairperson of the Whakatane District Sister Cities Committee, who kindly offered Mr Tanimoto a homestay opportunity and accompanied him on visits to different organisations.
Mr Tanimoto would also like to express his deep appreciation to everyone he met in New Zealand during his internship. He strives to become a bridge between New Zealand and Japan through this special experience he had in New Zealand.
Mr Tanimoto has plans to visit the Bay of Plenty again, bringing his family on his next visit.
Tena koutou Tena koutou Tena koutou Katoa.
