Wednesday 28 July 2004

Japanese students and teachers formally welcomed to sister-city

A group of 96 students and teachers from Christchurch’s Japanese sister-city, Kurashiki, will be formally welcomed to the city at a ceremony in the Christchurch City Council Chamber, starting at 1.15pm on Tuesday 3 August.

The students and teachers from Seishin College are to spend a fortnight in Christchurch, learning English. Christchurch City Council International Relations co-ordinator, Barbara August said about 100 visitors from the College have come to Christchurch every year for the last four years. “The city benefits culturally and financially from these visits,” she said. “It is estimated that the groups from Seishin alone have brought about $2 million to our local economy and hopefully take back plenty of good memories of Christchurch to share with friends and family.”

Reporters and photographers are invited to next Tuesday’s welcome, which will include a powhiri by the Hillmorton High School Kapahaka group and speeches from Deputy Mayor, Lesley Keast; Seishin staff; and chairperson of the Christchurch- Kurashiki Sister City Committee, Newton Dodge

After the welcome, Seishin students will respond with music and song, followed by refreshments and a chance for those attending to mingle.

The students and teachers will also take part in a tree planting at the Kurashiki Garden in the Sister City Gardens, Halswell Quarry Park at 4.30pm on Wednesday 4 August. Media are welcome to attend.

ENDS

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