― Photos and article by Mr. David Bolam-Smith,
Chairman of Christchurch-Kurashiki Sister City Committee ―
After months of preparation the big day finally arrived when 67 visitors from our Sister City Kurashiki landed at Christchurch International Airport.
The inbound delegation was led by Mayor Kaori ITO and included Mr. Kinji MATSUURA Chairman of the Kurashiki City Council, Ten City Councillors, Mr Hitoshi FUJIWARA Chairman of Kurashiki International Association, Mr. Masahiro MIYAKE Chairman of Kurashiki Christchurch Association, Mr Kodo UENISHI, and the delegation of Kurashiki Citizens.
The evening started with the Kurashiki Delegation attending a Maori Welcome Ceremony in the Camelot Room of the Chateau on the Park. After the Welcome, members move to the Great Hall for the Anniversary Banquet.
Official Speakers were:
Ms Lianne DAZIEL, Christchurch City Mayor
Ms Kaori ITO, Kurashiki City Mayor
Mr Yasuaki NOGAWA, Ambassador of Japan
Mr David BOLAM-SMITH, Chairman of Christchurch Kurashiki Sister City Committee
Mr Kenji MATSUURA, Chairman of Kurashiki City Council
The official programme included,
- Signing of Sister City Pledge by Mayor ITO and Mayor DAZIEL
- Cutting of the Cake by the 2 Mayors
- Ms Hiromi MORRIS Chair person New Zealand Sister Cities presented a Certificate of Congratulations to Mayor ITO Kurashiki and Mayor DAZIEL.
- The Evening concluded with the toast by Mr FUJIWARA
Monday the 18th of November, the delegation travelled in three coaches to view the Transitional Cathedral, then on to the Christchurch Gondola to enjoy the Panorama view of Christchurch City and Canterbury plains.
Sister City Garden Visit:
Mid morning the Anniversary Tree Planting ceremony took place at the Kurashiki Sister City Garden at the Halswell Quarry Park. Both Mayor ITO and Mayor DAZIEL planted the tree with Mayor DAZIEL making a speech. Both Mayors then proceeded to unveil the 40th Anniversary Garden Plaque with Mayor ITO responding to David Bolam-Smith’ description of the Garden.
Solidarity Grid:
One Thirty in the afternoon saw everyone gathered on the banks of the Avon River to unveil the Street Lamp that Kurashiki City donated to the Christchurch Public Art Solidarity Grid, which was designed by Mischa Kubull Germany.
Violin Recital by Ms Honoka KISHIMOTO:
Ms Honoka KISHIMOTO a 19 year old student from Kurashiki City who is attending Tokyo University of Arts performed Violin recital at the Transitional Cathedral on Monday evening in front of a full house. Honoka was accompanied by Pianist Ms Alison Holden from Christchurch. The recital was a real treat and was enjoyed by everyone who attended. The Canterbury Japanese Choir also performed at the concert along with Scottish Piper. The Gold coin admission raised $410.00 for the Westpac Air Rescue Trust.
Farewell Party:
The 40th Anniversary Festivity concluded with a Christchurch Kurashiki Sister City Committee hosted farewell dinner at the Flames Restaurant.
The inbound delegation visit to Christchurch was a great success, thanks all concerned who helped with this very important project.
As a Committee, we look forward to working towards our 45th Anniversary.
Mayor ITO and Mayor DAZIEL planting the 40th Anniversary Tree
Mayor DAZIEL, Mayor ITO, and Chairman David Bolam-Smith unveiling the 40th Anniversary Garden
From the 3rd to the 13th of December, eight selected swimmers from the Fukuoka Swimming Association visited NSW, where they participated in joint training sessions with a local school and competed in the 2024-25 Speedo NSW Senior State Age Championships.
